Abstract

Ethical Principles in the Statistical Profession: Challenges Faced by Developing Countries
Amjad Javaid, Syed Wasim Abbas
Abstract
Statistical profession has various issues whether someone is working in academia, as researcher, or statistical practitioner. Practitioners have to provide the basis of planning, policy formulation, and decision making with evidence which can only be useful if the data are collected according to the international standards, definitions, and best practices. International standards and ethical principles for the field of statistics, like fundamental principles of official statistics by the UN, have been devised by various forums and organizations to make the statistical practices at par throughout the world. However, developing countries often encounter obstacles when trying to adhere to adopt the ethical standards in the statistical profession. These standards encompass various aspects as informed consent, confidentiality, loss avoidance, adoption of laws and regulations, reduction in respondent burden, timeliness etc. The developing countries are trying to adopt all the principles to strengthen the statistical profession but are facing challenges including resource constraints, deficient infrastructure, cultural disparities, lack of legislation and statistical literacy, and many others. The rapid technological revolution intensifies these challenges coupled with formulation and implementation of data collection, and protection laws. It is imperative to address not only the ethical issues but also the challenges facing by particularly the developing countries during statistical research, data collection practices, technological adoption modules through collaborative efforts, technological support, cooperation, and tailored guidelines, particularly to achieve the target of 2030 agenda to “leave no one behind”.
Keywords: Statistical practitioners, Evidence based decision making, leaving no one behind.