Ethics research

Value systems and shifts in values are influenced by politics and politicians to a considerable degree. Together with the University of Zurich, Vorausdenken and Seed Sustainability, the Lassalle-Institut has published a study entitled «Ethik 2006». For this purpose, all Swiss politicians in executive or legislative positions at federal or cantonal level, as well as those at municipal level in selected cities, were sent a questionnaire in late 2005 asking them about their values. In addition to this quantitative survey, which is representative, in-depth interviews were conducted to generate qualitative data that illustrate the survey in the form of examples.

The questionnaire was sent to 3,300 politicians at national, cantonal and municipal level. The response rate was surprisingly high, amounting to 25.3% (833 persons).

On 17 February 2006, the results were announced at the University of Zurich in the course of an ethics conference with speakers including Swiss Federal Councillor Samuel Schmid and Professor Georg Kohler.

All the results are contained in the book «Ethik 2006» published by NZZ Libro, Verlag Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German only).

Published by NZZ Libro, Verlag Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Edited by Lassalle-Institut
Ethik 2006
Facts and figures on ethics in Swiss politics
Research results, commentaries and further-going discussion points
200 pages, tables, charts
Format: 15 x 22 cm, softcover with fold-in-flaps
CHF 38.–/ € ~26.–
ISBN 3-03823-219-X

The book can be ordered directly at www.nzz-libro.ch