| Skip Site Navigation |
|
|
|
|||
 DisseminationStandards Bulletin Board Reviews of the Fund's Data Standards' Initiatives (Reviews) Special Data Dissemination Standard Site (SDDS) Introduction Metadata Data What's New Contact Us General Data Dissemination System Site (GDDS) Data Quality Reference Site (DQRS) |
 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Data: Coverage, Periodicity, and Timeliness | ||||||||||||
| Coverage characteristics | 5.1.1 Statistical presentation Data are disseminated in New Israeli Sheqelim (NIS) on the gross wages per employee position per month, at current prices. | |||||||||||
| Periodicity | 4.1.1 Periodicity Monthly | |||||||||||
| Timeliness | 4.1.2 Timeliness 10 weeks after the end of the reference month. | |||||||||||
| Access by the Public | ||||||||||||
| Advance dissemination of release calendar | 5.1.3 Advance release calendar A quarter-ahead calendar giving the approximate release dates is disseminated on the following CBS Internet website at the end of each month. In addition, a week-ahead calendar giving precise release dates is posted on the websites at the end of each week. (http://www.cbs.gov.il/hodaot/timetable-h.htm for the Hebrew version and http://www.cbs.gov.il/hodaot/timetable-e.htm for the English version). A notice informing the public that the advance release calendars are disseminated on the Internet is published in a weekly CBS press release "An Update of CBS's Press Releases' Publication Calendar for the Week of ..." which is available, free of charge, in both Hebrew and English. | |||||||||||
| Simultaneous release to all interested parties | 5.1.4 Simultaneous release The data are released simultaneously at 13:00 p.m. to all interested parties by issuing the press release Wages for xx xxxx (Month, Year]. On the same day, the data in the press release are posted on the CBS's Internet website (http://www.cbs.gov.il). | |||||||||||
| Integrity | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of terms and conditions under which official statistics are produced, including those relating to the confidentiality of individually identifiable information | 0.1.1 Responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating statistics Central Bureau of Statistics The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has a clearly mandated responsibility for collecting, compiling, analyzing, abstracting, and disseminating information on a great majority of All statistics collected and published by the CBS are governed by the Statistics Ordinance [New Version], 5732-1972, last amended in 1978. The Statistics Ordinance (Article 3) assigns responsibility, and provides authority, to the CBS for each of the following:
Labor market: Wages/Earnings The Statistics Ordinance (sections 3.1 and 16) requires that the data on wages be disseminated to the public. 0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data producing agencies Central Bureau of Statistics The Statistics Ordinance provides for a multitiered approach to statistical cooperation in
Article 5 of the Statistics Ordinance mandates a regime of statistical cooperation and coordination between state agencies. While the CBS is the “central” state agency that provides official Israeli statistics, other state agencies are allowed to carry on their own statistical activities. According to Article 5, if such statistical activity by a state agency involves addressing the public or part thereof, that statistical act shall be performed after consultation with the Government Statistician. Conversely, statistical acts by the CBS that relate to matters in the area of activity of a government ministry shall be performed after consultation with the ministry concerned. If the statistical act performed by a state agency, including the CBS, is a census, it may be performed only after receiving advance permission from the Prime Minister. In practice, and following from the legal regime described above, the CBS coordinates closely, including through regular meetings, with other data-producing agencies, such as the BOI and various government ministries. It is noted that administrative data are used extensively by the CBS in producing its statistics on education, health, finance, and tax, as well as statistics regarding aspects of the labor market. Increasing efforts are being made to use administrative by-product data in the compilation of economic statistics. Data sharing In general, there is no data sharing between the CBS and other state agencies or others. The strict confidentiality requirements imposed on the CBS by the Statistics Ordinance lead to a one-way flow of identified or identifiable data. The exceptions to this rule are set out in Article 18A(a), which states: “Where the Bureau collects statistics or other particulars in cooperation with, or as an agent of, any State agency authorized under law to require the same, it may, notwithstanding anything provided in this Ordinance, disclose them to that agency so long as it is indicated in a conspicuous position on the document by which they are requested that they are collected by the Bureau as aforesaid and the person from whom they are collected has been advised of such fact. Where the Bureau collects statistics or other particulars in cooperation with, or as an agent of a State agency not authorized under law to collect the same, the Bureau may disclose them to that agency if it is also indicated as aforesaid that the provisions of the Ordinance concerning the duty to deliver particulars do not apply and the person from whom the particulars are collected has been advised of such fact.” 0.1.3 Confidentiality of individual reporters' data Central Bureau of Statistics The Statistics Ordinance stipulates that the CBS cannot publish, or otherwise make available to any individual or organization, information that would enable the identification of any individual person or entity. The obligation to protect confidentiality is also rooted in the Protection of Privacy Law, 5741-1981. For example, Article 16 of this law stipulates: “No person shall disclose any data obtained by him by virtue of his functions as an employee, manager, or possessor of a database save for the purpose of carrying out his work or implementing this Law or under a court order in connection with legal proceedings. Any person, who infringes the provisions of this section, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term of five years.” This confidentiality requirement is also reflected in the CBS Code of Ethics, which states, in paragraph 4.4: “The CBS must preserve, in accordance with the law, the confidentiality of information it receives under the Statistics Ordinance.” 0.1.4 Ensuring statistical reporting Central Bureau of Statistics The Government Statistician is empowered to determine whether, and to what extent, the survey is to be conducted with or without an obligation to provide information. If an obligation to provide information has been stipulated, all natural legal persons under private and public law, associations of persons, public authorities, as well as communities and local authorities shall be liable to reply to duly ordered questions. Articles 11, 13, and 15 of the Statistics Ordinance make it mandatory for all respondents to provide the information requested unless an exemption is obtained (Article 15A(b)). The policies and practices of the CBS emphasize explanation, courtesy, and effective respondent relations in eliciting response, and the burden placed on respondents is considered. Efforts aimed at reducing the response burden include measures such as (1) restricting sample sizes and—to the extent possible—the range and detail of surveys to the essential minimum, (2) making more extensive use of data from administrative registers, and (3) applying rotation schemes in sample designs to ensure that the response burden is spread as widely as possible over survey populations. Every questionnaire indicates contact persons who can provide assistance in responding, as well as information on how to complete the questionnaire and explanations for answering the questions. Also, every paper and Internet questionnaire contains legally required information on the purpose, type, and scope of the survey, obligation to provide information, reporting unit, confidentiality, and other aspects of the survey. In particular, a reference to the Statistics Ordinance is given in surveys and statistical inquiries. To encourage future participation, the CBS provides respondents with information on the results of the survey, upon request and in conformity with established statistical confidentiality guidelines. 0.2.2 Ensuring efficient use of resources Central Bureau of Statistics Quarterly programs at department, division, and individual level are used for planning and monitoring of output targets and resource use. They are also used for quality assurance; division managers present explicit quality indicators on evaluating how the goals were achieved. These quality indicators, together with overall performance evaluation, are used for dividing any additional compensation on top of the regular monthly salary for individual employees on a quarterly basis. Though not very large in absolute terms, the symbolic value of such compensation incentive is seen effective.0.3.1 Monitoring user requirements Central Bureau of Statistics On fundamental issues, the Public Council for Statistics advises the CBS and initiates plans for further developments. Comprised of representatives of state agencies, institutions of higher education and research, and public bodies, and of experts on statistics and on economic and social subjects, the council has a fundamental role to play in ensuring the relevance of the CBS work program and the resulting outputs. For specialist subjects, expert committees commissioned by the CBS and other statistical working parties advise the CBS—for example, on manufacturing, environmental, and social statistics. Users and respondents are given a chance to articulate their interests. At the same time, representatives of official statistics may explain their concerns and clarify the feasibility of proposals in discussions with the parties concerned. Feedback also is sought at seminars and meetings, where, for example, national accounts data are presented to institutions such as the National Insurance Institute (NII), the BOI, and the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, and Employment. In addition, members of the CBS staff regularly participate in OECD and UN/ECE meetings and also in Medstat activities (arranged by Eurostat). In recent years, members of staff also are active in international working groups working on special subjects in connection with the revision of the 1993 SNA. Some staff also are members of the International Association of Research in Income and Wealth. Almost all are members of the Israel Economic Association and participate in annual conferences of this association, which provides a valuable forum for feedback on official statistics. User surveys are conducted periodically. 0.4.1 Quality policy Central Bureau of Statistics The system of official statistics follows international and European quality standards. The CBS has established a quality management system based on the framework of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). The EFQM process has resulted in more efficient, transparent, and well-documented collection, validation, and compilation processes. Interrelations between datasets have been improved in recent years, that is, through strengthened cooperation between the statistics staff, to ensure consistency and resolve conflicts between data from different sources (choice of reliable sources). Managers are held accountable for quality, given that the annual planning cycle focuses on the results obtained relative to the strategic objectives. In addition, staff training programs pertaining to data quality are offered periodically. Staff also are encouraged to participate in IMF and Eurostat training courses. 0.4.2 Quality monitoring Central Bureau of Statistics The quarterly planning and evaluation program is the cornerstone of short-term quality monitoring. This quality monitoring, also incorporated into employee compensation, provides explicit quality assessment of targeted results. The organization of the CBS provides for methodological expertise in all subject-matter departments. In addition, expert advice on quality and on strategies for improvement is provided by the Department of Methodology and Statistical Analysis, as well as by the recently established cross-sectoral function of Chief Scientist. 0.4.3 Quality planning Central Bureau of Statistics The strategic goals of the CBS are defined in the Research and Development Plan, which addresses individual quality aspects in detail.1.1.1 Impartiality of statistics Central Bureau of Statistics The Statistics Ordinance establishes that the CBS is headed by the Government Statistician, who is authorized to direct the statistical systems in the institutions of the state, and is required to act on the basis of scientific considerations.1.1.2 Selection of sources, methodology, and modes of dissemination Central Bureau of Statistics The CBS decides independently what statistics to compile and develop, which sources to use, and what methods to apply. It also decides what the institution is to publish as official statistics and when and how this will be done, based on scientific and technical considerations and—increasingly—budget restrictions. Staff members with extensive professional experience are deployed at the level of directors and deputy directors. Although staff are not necessarily recruited for their statistical skills, on-the-job training and mentoring enhance the cultivation of expertise in the respective fields of data compilation. The choice of source data and statistical techniques is primarily based on consideration of the accuracy of data, the statistical reliability, coverage, and consistency over time. Decisions to disseminate data are based solely on statistical considerations, and decisions about the timing, media, and other aspects of dissemination are based on statistical considerations. The Statistics Ordinance (Article 3) requires that official statistics be published. The statistical results are first published in a press release. The CBS publishes more than 300 press releases per year—excluding the weekly update to the advance release calendar—and does not need political approval to publish statistical information. This also holds for all other publications. The press releases are published at 1:00 p.m. (national accounts) and at 5:00 p.m. (price statistics) in Jerusalem and disseminated to users by fax, satellite, e-mail, and on the Internet.[1] Decisions regarding timing and media are made at least four months in advance. Regular publication dates are announced in a yearly and weekly advance release calendar. Statistical data of top interest to journalists are announced in a press conference (about 10–20 events yearly). 1.1.3 Commenting on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics Central Bureau of Statistics The reactions of the media in Israel to the CBS publications, as well as articles in the media on other aspects of the office, are monitored and evaluated daily at the Information Unit through a “clipping service.” Comments on erroneous interpretations and misuse are sent to the media, and in certain important matters press briefings have been held.1.2.1 Disclosure of terms and conditions for statistical collection, processing, and dissemination Central Bureau of Statistics The Statistics Ordinance, in English and Hebrew, is available to the public on the CBS website at http://www.cbs.gov.il. Copies of the Statistics Ordinance are also available through the CBS Information Office (info@cbs.gov.il) and in the CBS library. Information on the terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated is published annually (in Hebrew only) in the report prepared in accordance with the Freedom of Information Law, 1998, which can be found at http://www.cbs.gov.il/freeinfo06.pdf. In addition, all publications mention contact persons, postal addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses, and other relevant information of interest. Further, contact details are provided for the respective experts for the individual statistical fields, including contact persons for technical questions. In the case of new statistics, journalists receive methodological information at press conferences and other events, where CBS staff provide information about statistical topics of current interest. All information for press conferences is also published on the website. Finally, when the CBS conducts surveys, it informs respondents of the general purpose of the particular survey, noting that the information received will be used for statistical purposes only. 1.3.1 Guidelines for staff behavior Central Bureau of Statistics Guidelines for staff behavior can be divided into three categories: legal norms; administrative norms; and ethical norms, as described below. The Statistics Ordinance establishes a legal norm for the protection of confidentiality. All new staff are informed of the obligation of maintaining statistical confidentiality, and they sign a declaration, in accordance with Article 10 of the Statistics Ordinance, in which they state that they will not disclose information without authority. In addition, periodic training courses for new employees include the legal basis for the operations of the CBS, including the obligation of the protection of confidentiality. Administrative norms are based both on the actual work ethic practiced by employees of the CBS and on the administrative norms delineated in the Israel Civil Service Administration’s detailed Rulebook (known by its Hebrew acronym “TAKSHIR”). Part IV of the TAKSHIR deals extensively with discipline and employee behavior. While most of the TAKSHIR is directed toward human resource departments, those sections that apply directly to employee behavior, such as the prohibition against sexual discrimination, are made widely known to the CBS staff. During the training process, new employees learn about the CBS work ethic and the particulars of the TAKSHIR directly relevant to them. Also, in the course of training, it is explicitly pointed out to the staff that international standards and methodological guidelines are to be followed. As relevant to their work program, clear directives for the specialized units have been discussed, adopted, and communicated by all heads of departments. As for ethical norms, a CBS Code of Ethics was created in May 2004 and distributed to all employees. It is prominently available on the CBS Intranet and also published in Hebrew in the yearly Freedom of Information Report as mentioned earlier, which is available on the CBS website at http://www.cbs.gov.il. Based primarily on the Code of Ethics for Statisticians, which was adopted originally by the Public Statistics Council and the Israel Statistical Association, the CBS Code of Ethics contains modifications that relate to the statutory status of the CBS. In essence, the CBS Code of Ethics reflects actual CBS practice and the CBS ambient work ethic. | |||||||||||
| Identification of internal government access to data before release | 1.2.2 Internal governmental access to statistics prior to release Central Bureau of Statistics The CBS normally does not provide data to any external person or institution before it officially releases the data. Preembargo access arrangements are available (see 0.1.2). That is, internal government access to national accounts and government finance statistics is given a day before publication under strict embargo. This is made known to the public, among other places, on the IMF’s DSBB and in the CBS’s publications in Hebrew. However, this is not indicated in the relevant English-language publications of the CBS.Labor market: Wages/Earnings No officials outside the CBS have access to the data prior to their release to the public. | |||||||||||
| Identification of ministerial commentary on the occasion of statistical releases | 1.2.3 Attribution of statistical products Central Bureau of Statistics All CBS products can be clearly identified as such by the agency’s name and logo (on press releases, in hardcopy publications, and on the website). In all statistical publications the public is informed that attribution is required. In some cases where the statistics have been reproduced without attribution, the Information Unit at the CBS follows up (see 1.1.3). | |||||||||||
| Provision of information about revision and advance notice of major changes in methodology | 4.3.1 Revision schedule Data for the most recent month are preliminary, and that data for other months in the most recent year are provisional and will be revised in future publications. The data are revised for up to one year after the first release.4.3.2 Identification of preliminary and/or revised data The press release and the publications indicate that the data for the most recent month are preliminary, and that data for other months in the most recent year are provisional.1.2.4 Advance notice of major changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques. Central Bureau of Statistics Information on changes in methodology, source data, and statistical techniques is given to users in advance and when changes are introduced. Explanations of new methods and changes in source data and statistical techniques are published on the website and in all relevant print publications. Special publications also make changes transparent. Major changes are also discussed with users well in advance in dedicated seminars organized by the Information Unit.Labor market: Wages/Earnings Major changes in methodology are announced at least a quarter in advance. Any significant changes in methodology introduced during the year are described in the issue of "Monthly Bulletin of Statistics" in which these changes are first introduced. | |||||||||||
| Quality | ||||||||||||
| Dissemination of documentation on methodology and sources used in preparing statistics | 5.2.1 Dissemination of documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques A comprehensive description of methodology is published in the Monthly Bulletin of Statistics for January of each year, available from the above address. (See also summary methodology) | |||||||||||
| Dissemination of component detail, reconciliations with related data, and statistical frameworks that support statistical cross-checks and provide assurance of reasonableness | 4.2.1 Internal consistency The Wages and Employment Monthly Statistics publishes monthly data on: (1) the number of employee positions; (2) total wages; (3) wages per employee position; and (4) wages at constant prices detailed by the 2-digit industrial branch level according to the "Standard Classification of All Economic Activities 1993", CBS. 4.2.2 Temporal consistency Indices for economic branches: The indices published by new economic branches can only be compared with those of 1994. For purposes of comparison, the 1994 estimates of the old sample were added up each month according to the new economic branch, and the appropriate indices were calculated. The monthly Selected Economic Indicators publishes monthly and annual data on wages per employee position at constant prices, detailed by industry. The annual Statistical Abstract of Israel publishes annual data on total wages and wage per employee post, at current and constant prices, detailed by industry. | |||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
