Labor Force Survey, LFS 2009
Palestine, 2009
Economic Research Forum, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics
Identification
Survey ID Number
PAL_LFS_2009_HD_V1
Title
Labor Force Survey, LFS 2009
Country
| Name | Country code |
|---|---|
| Palestine | PAL |
Study type
Labor Force Survey [hh/lfs]
Series Information
The Palestinian Labour Force Survey Programme consists of an integrated series of labour force surveys, the first of which was issued in October 1995. This programme conducts surveys quarterly.
Abstract
THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE PALESTINIAN CENTRAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) carried out four rounds of the Labor Force Survey 2009 (LFS). The survey rounds covered a total sample of about 30,625 households, and the number of completed questionaire is 26,581, which amounts to a sample of around 116,202 individuals aged 10 years and over, including 94,304 individuals in the working-age population 15 years and above.
The importance of this survey lies in that it focuses mainly on labour force key indicators, main characteristics of the employed, unemployed, underemployed and persons outside labour force, labour force according to level of education, distribution of the employed population by occupation, economic activity, place of work, employment status, hours and days worked and average daily wage in NIS for the employees.
The survey main objectives are:
- To estimate the labor force and its percentage to the population.
- To estimate the number of employed individuals.
- To analyze labour force according to gender, employment status, educational level, occupation and economic activity.
- To provide information about the main changes in the labour market structure and its socio economic characteristics.
- To estimate the numbers of unemployed individuals and analyze their general characteristics.
- To estimate the rate of working hours and wages for employed individuals in addition to analyze of other characteristics.
The raw survey data provided by the Statistical Agency were cleaned and harmonized by the Economic Research Forum, in the context of a major project that started in 2009. During which extensive efforts have been exerted to acquire, clean, harmonize, preserve and disseminate micro data of existing labor force surveys in several Arab countries.
Kind of Data
Sample survey data [ssd]
Unit of Analysis
1- Household/family.
2- Individual/person.
2- Individual/person.
Version
Version Description
V1.0: A cleaned and a harmonized version of the survey dataset, produced by the Economic Research Forum for dissemination.
Production
Date
2016-10
Version Notes
All documentation available for the original survey provided by the Statistical Agency, and for the harmonized datasets produced by the Economic Research Forum, are published, along with a copy of all occupation and economic activity classifications used during the harmonization process.
However, as far as the datasets are concerned, the Economic Research Forum produces and releases only the harmonized versions in both SPSS and STATA formats.
However, as far as the datasets are concerned, the Economic Research Forum produces and releases only the harmonized versions in both SPSS and STATA formats.
Scope
Notes
Household: Includes geographical characteristics, household composition, LFS classification of household members, head's and spouse's characteristics, dwelling characteristics and ownership of durables.
Individual: Includes demographics, nationality and immigration, education, current labor status, main, secondary and last held job characteristics, wages and incomes, unemployment characteristics and inactivity reason(s).
Individual: Includes demographics, nationality and immigration, education, current labor status, main, secondary and last held job characteristics, wages and incomes, unemployment characteristics and inactivity reason(s).
Topics
| Topic | Vocabulary |
|---|---|
| Demographics | ERF |
| Education | ERF |
| Nationality and immigration | ERF |
| Labor Force | ERF |
| Employment | ERF |
| Unemployment | ERF |
| Wages and incomes | ERF |
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
Covering a representative sample on the region level (West Bank, Gaza Strip), the locality type (urban, rural, camp) and the governorates.
Universe
The survey covered all Palestinian households who are a usual residence of the Palestinian Territory.
Producers and sponsors
Primary investigators
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Economic Research Forum | |
| Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics | Palestinian National Authority |
Sampling
Sampling Procedure
THE CLEANED AND HARMONIZED VERSION OF THE SURVEY DATA PRODUCED AND PUBLISHED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH FORUM REPRESENTS 100% OF THE ORIGINAL SURVEY DATA COLLECTED BY THE PALESTINIAN CENTRAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS
The methodology was designed according to the context of the survey, international standards, data processing requirements and comparability of outputs with other related surveys.
---> Target Population:
All Palestinians aged 10 years and over living in the Palestinian Territory, excluding persons living in institutions such as prisons or shelters.
---> Sampling Frame:
The sampling frame consisted of a master sample of enumeration areas (EAs) selected from the population housing and establishment census 2007, the master sample consists of area units of relatively equal size (number of households), these units have been used as primary sampling units (PSUs).
---> Sample Design
The sample is a two-stage stratified cluster random sample.
---> Stratification:
Four levels of stratification were made:
1. Stratification by Governorates.
2. Stratification by type of locality which comprises: (a) Urban (b) Rural (c) Refugee Camps
3. Stratification by classifying localities, excluding governorate centers, into three strata based on the ownership of households of durable goods within these localities.
4. Stratification by size of locality (number of households).
---> Sample Size:
The sample size was about 7,627 households in the 52 th round and 7,627 households in the 53th round, and 7,677 households in the 54th round and 7,694 households in the 55th round, the total number of the households about 30,625 households, the number of completed questionnaires about 26,590 questionnaires, this number considered appropriate to provide estimations on main labour force characteristics at Palestinian Territory. The sample size in 1st quarter, 2009 consisted of 7,627 households, which amounts 29,559 persons aged 10 years and over (including 23,901 aged 15 years and over). In the 2nd quarter the sample consisted of 7,627 households, which amounts of 27,135 persons aged 10 years and over (including 22,124 aged 15 years and over), in the 3rd quarter the sample consisted of 7,677 households, which amounts of 29,455 persons aged 10 years and over (including 23,907 aged 15 years and over). In the 4th quarter the sample consisted of 7,694 households; which amounts of 30,053 persons aged 10 years and over (including 24,371 aged 15 years and over).
---> Sample Rotation:
Each round of the Labor Force Survey covers all the 481 master sample areas. Basically, the areas remain fixed over time, but households in 50% of the EAs are replaced each round. The same household remains in the sample over 2 consecutive rounds, rests for the next two rounds and represented again in the sample for another and last two consecutive rounds before it is dropped from the sample. A 50 % overlap is then achieved between both consecutive rounds and between consecutive years (making the sample efficient for monitoring purposes). In earlier applications of the LFS (rounds 1 to 11); the rotation pattern used was different; requiring a household to remain in the sample for six consecutive rounds, then dropped. The objective of such a pattern was to increase the overlap between consecutive rounds. The new rotation pattern was introduced to reduce the burden on the households resulting from visiting the same household for six consecutive times.
Response Rate
Errors due to non-response because households were away from home or refused to participate. The overall non response rate amounted to almost 13.2% which is relatively low; a much higher rates is rather common in an international perspective. The refusal rate was only 1.2%. The errors of over coverage rate was only 5.4%. It is difficult however to assess the amount of bias resulting from non response. The PCBS has not yet undertaken any nonresponse study. Such a study may indicate, that non-response is more frequent in some population groups than in others. This is rather normal and such information is necessary to be able to compensate for bias resulting from non-response errors.
Weighting
The weights were calculated for each quarter separately, and the weights for the whole year were calculated as one unit.
Data Collection
Dates of Data Collection
| Start | End | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-01-01 | 2009-03-31 | First round |
| 2009-04-01 | 2009-06-30 | Second round |
| 2009-07-01 | 2009-09-30 | Third round |
| 2009-10-01 | 2009-12-31 | Fourth round |
Data Collection Mode
Face-to-face [f2f]
Data Collection Notes
---> Training and Recruitment:
The purpose of the training courses was to teach participants the main skills needed to conduct interviews. Two training courses were held, one in Ramallah for the West Bank trainees, and one in Gaza City for Gaza Strip trainees. Each course consisted of two parts: one on survey methodology including survey design, questionnaire design, interviewing techniques, and field operations; and one part on specifications of the labour force survey, including concepts and definitions, fieldwork procedures, data collection, editing, coding, tips for asking questions and recording answers, as well as field team organization and field supervision.
---> Fieldwork:
The preparation phase for the LFS included recruiting and training of interviewers and supervisors. The staff on this project participated in previous survey projects at PCBS, and are highly qualified.
The West Bank was divided into three areas (North, Middle and South), each of which was supervised by one field supervisor. Each region consists of a number of districts, and the fieldwork was carried out by one fieldwork team, consisting of 2-3 interviewers.
Gaza Strip was also divided into three areas (North, Middle and South). Fieldwork activities were carried out by one fieldwork team, each consisting of a supervisor, an editor and 3 interviewers.
Special procedures were followed in order to ensure quality control and efficient organization of fieldwork. Such procedures are important for supervising work, as well as for receiving and delivering questionnaires, maps, sample lists in addition to other forms used for management and quality control.
Field operations were conducted in the Palestinian Territory from 04/01/2009 to 01/01/2010.
Fieldwork teams were distributed to each area on the basis of the sample size. The number of LFS' fieldwork team was 22, including the fieldwork coordinator, 4 supervisors, 3 editors, and 10 interviewers including coders.
The purpose of the training courses was to teach participants the main skills needed to conduct interviews. Two training courses were held, one in Ramallah for the West Bank trainees, and one in Gaza City for Gaza Strip trainees. Each course consisted of two parts: one on survey methodology including survey design, questionnaire design, interviewing techniques, and field operations; and one part on specifications of the labour force survey, including concepts and definitions, fieldwork procedures, data collection, editing, coding, tips for asking questions and recording answers, as well as field team organization and field supervision.
---> Fieldwork:
The preparation phase for the LFS included recruiting and training of interviewers and supervisors. The staff on this project participated in previous survey projects at PCBS, and are highly qualified.
The West Bank was divided into three areas (North, Middle and South), each of which was supervised by one field supervisor. Each region consists of a number of districts, and the fieldwork was carried out by one fieldwork team, consisting of 2-3 interviewers.
Gaza Strip was also divided into three areas (North, Middle and South). Fieldwork activities were carried out by one fieldwork team, each consisting of a supervisor, an editor and 3 interviewers.
Special procedures were followed in order to ensure quality control and efficient organization of fieldwork. Such procedures are important for supervising work, as well as for receiving and delivering questionnaires, maps, sample lists in addition to other forms used for management and quality control.
Field operations were conducted in the Palestinian Territory from 04/01/2009 to 01/01/2010.
Fieldwork teams were distributed to each area on the basis of the sample size. The number of LFS' fieldwork team was 22, including the fieldwork coordinator, 4 supervisors, 3 editors, and 10 interviewers including coders.
Data Collectors
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics | PCBS | Palestinian National Authority |
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
The survey questionnaire was designed according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations. The questionnaire includes four main parts:
---> 1. Identification Data:
The main objective for this part is to record the necessary information to identify the household, such as, cluster code, sector, type of locality, cell, housing number and the cell code.
---> 2. Quality Control:
This part involves groups of controlling standards to monitor the field and office operation, to keep in order the sequence of questionnaire stages (data collection, field and office coding, data entry, editing after entry and store the data.
---> 3. Household Roster:
This part involves demographic characteristics about the household, like number of persons in the household, date of birth, sex, educational level…etc.
---> 4. Employment Part:
This part involves the major research indicators, where one questionnaire had been answered by every 15 years and over household member, to be able to explore their labour force status and recognize their major characteristics toward employment status, economic activity, occupation, place of work, and other employment indicators.
---> 1. Identification Data:
The main objective for this part is to record the necessary information to identify the household, such as, cluster code, sector, type of locality, cell, housing number and the cell code.
---> 2. Quality Control:
This part involves groups of controlling standards to monitor the field and office operation, to keep in order the sequence of questionnaire stages (data collection, field and office coding, data entry, editing after entry and store the data.
---> 3. Household Roster:
This part involves demographic characteristics about the household, like number of persons in the household, date of birth, sex, educational level…etc.
---> 4. Employment Part:
This part involves the major research indicators, where one questionnaire had been answered by every 15 years and over household member, to be able to explore their labour force status and recognize their major characteristics toward employment status, economic activity, occupation, place of work, and other employment indicators.
Data Processing
Data Editing
---> Raw Data
Data editing took place at a number of stages through the processing including:
1. office editing and coding
2. during data entry
3. structure checking and completeness
4. structural checking of SPSS data files
---> Harmonized Data
- The SPSS package is used to clean and harmonize the datasets.
- The harmonization process starts with a cleaning process for all raw data files received from the Statistical Agency.
- All cleaned data files are then merged to produce one data file on the individual level containing all variables subject to harmonization.
- A country-specific program is generated for each dataset to generate/ compute/ recode/ rename/ format/ label harmonized variables.
- A post-harmonization cleaning process is then conducted on the data.
- Harmonized data is saved on the household as well as the individual level, in SPSS and then converted to STATA, to be disseminated.
Data editing took place at a number of stages through the processing including:
1. office editing and coding
2. during data entry
3. structure checking and completeness
4. structural checking of SPSS data files
---> Harmonized Data
- The SPSS package is used to clean and harmonize the datasets.
- The harmonization process starts with a cleaning process for all raw data files received from the Statistical Agency.
- All cleaned data files are then merged to produce one data file on the individual level containing all variables subject to harmonization.
- A country-specific program is generated for each dataset to generate/ compute/ recode/ rename/ format/ label harmonized variables.
- A post-harmonization cleaning process is then conducted on the data.
- Harmonized data is saved on the household as well as the individual level, in SPSS and then converted to STATA, to be disseminated.
Other Processing
Both data entry and tabulation were performed using the ACCESS and SPSS software programs. Data entry was organized in one files, corresponding to the main parts of the questionnaire. A data entry template was designed to reflect an exact image of the questionnaire, and included various electronic checks: logical check, range checks, consisting checks and cross-validation. Complete manual inspection of results after data entry was performed, and questionnaires containing field-related errors were sent back to the field for correction.
In order to create an annual data file for each year, the data files for the quarters of the same year were merged in one file.
In order to create an annual data file for each year, the data files for the quarters of the same year were merged in one file.
Data Appraisal
Estimates of Sampling Error
---> Statistical Errors
Since the data reported here are based on a sample survey and not on a complete enumeration, they are subjected to sampling errors as well as non-sampling errors.
Sampling errors are random outcomes of the sample design, and are, therefore, in principle measurable by the statistical concept of standard error. A description of the estimated standard errors and the effects of the sample design on sampling errors are provided in the previous chapter.
Data of this survey affected by statistical errors due to use the sample, Therefore, the emergence of certain differences from the real values expect obtained through censuses. It had been calculated variation of the most important indicators exists and the facility with the report and the dissemination levels of the data were particularized at the regional level in Governorate in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
---> Non-Statistical Errors
Non-statistical errors are probable in all stages of the project, during data collection or processing. This is referred to as non-response errors, response errors, interviewing errors, and data entry errors. To avoid errors and reduce their effects, great efforts were made to train the fieldworkers intensively. They were trained in how to carry out the interview, what to discuss and what to avoid, carrying out a pilot survey and practical and theoretical training during the training course.
Also data entry staff was trained on the entry program that was examined before starting the data entry process. To have a fair idea about the situation and to limit obstacles, there was continuous contact with the fieldwork team through regular visits to the field and regular meetings with them during the different field visits. Problems faced by fieldworkers were discussed to clarify any issues.
Non-sampling errors can occur at the various stages of survey implementation whether in data collection or in data processing. They are generally difficult to be evaluated statistically. They cover a wide range of errors, including errors resulting from non-response, sampling frame coverage, coding and classification, data processing, and survey response (both respondent and interviewer-related). The use of effective training and supervision and the careful design of questions have direct bearing on limiting the magnitude of non-sampling errors, and hence enhancing the quality of the resulting data.
Since the data reported here are based on a sample survey and not on a complete enumeration, they are subjected to sampling errors as well as non-sampling errors.
Sampling errors are random outcomes of the sample design, and are, therefore, in principle measurable by the statistical concept of standard error. A description of the estimated standard errors and the effects of the sample design on sampling errors are provided in the previous chapter.
Data of this survey affected by statistical errors due to use the sample, Therefore, the emergence of certain differences from the real values expect obtained through censuses. It had been calculated variation of the most important indicators exists and the facility with the report and the dissemination levels of the data were particularized at the regional level in Governorate in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
---> Non-Statistical Errors
Non-statistical errors are probable in all stages of the project, during data collection or processing. This is referred to as non-response errors, response errors, interviewing errors, and data entry errors. To avoid errors and reduce their effects, great efforts were made to train the fieldworkers intensively. They were trained in how to carry out the interview, what to discuss and what to avoid, carrying out a pilot survey and practical and theoretical training during the training course.
Also data entry staff was trained on the entry program that was examined before starting the data entry process. To have a fair idea about the situation and to limit obstacles, there was continuous contact with the fieldwork team through regular visits to the field and regular meetings with them during the different field visits. Problems faced by fieldworkers were discussed to clarify any issues.
Non-sampling errors can occur at the various stages of survey implementation whether in data collection or in data processing. They are generally difficult to be evaluated statistically. They cover a wide range of errors, including errors resulting from non-response, sampling frame coverage, coding and classification, data processing, and survey response (both respondent and interviewer-related). The use of effective training and supervision and the careful design of questions have direct bearing on limiting the magnitude of non-sampling errors, and hence enhancing the quality of the resulting data.
Data Appraisal
Errors in data processing, such as coding and punching. The data underwent checking and completion of missing information in the office and logical checks were computerized as well as manually, including call-backs if needed.
Response errors which resulted from misunderstanding of the questions, interviewers’ bias in asking the questions and in probing. Thorough training, supervision, and various quality control checks were used to minimize bias resulting from these kinds of errors.
Response errors which resulted from misunderstanding of the questions, interviewers’ bias in asking the questions and in probing. Thorough training, supervision, and various quality control checks were used to minimize bias resulting from these kinds of errors.
Access policy
Access authority
| Name | Affiliation | URL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Research Forum | Economic Research Forum (ERF) | erfdataportal@erf.org.eg | www.erf.org.eg |
Contacts
| Name | URL | |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Research Forum (ERF) - 21 Al-Sad Al-Aaly St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt | erfdataportal@erf.org.eg | www.erf.org.eg |
Confidentiality
To access the micro data, researchers are required to register on the ERF website and comply with the data access agreement.
The data will be used only for scholarly research, or educational purposes. Users are prohibited from using data acquired from the Economic Research Forum in the pursuit of any commercial or private ventures.
Access conditions
Licensed datasets, accessible under conditions.
Citation requirements
The users should cite the Economic Research Forum and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics as follows:
OAMDI, 2016. Harmonized Labor Force Surveys (HLFS), http://erf.org.eg/data-portal/. Version 1.0 of Licensed Data Files; LFS 2009- Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Egypt: Economic Research Forum (ERF).
OAMDI, 2016. Harmonized Labor Force Surveys (HLFS), http://erf.org.eg/data-portal/. Version 1.0 of Licensed Data Files; LFS 2009- Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS). Egypt: Economic Research Forum (ERF).
Disclaimer and copyrights
Disclaimer
The Economic Research Forum and the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics have granted the researcher access to relevant data following exhaustive efforts to protect the confidentiality of individual data. The researcher is solely responsible for any analysis or conclusions drawn from available data.
Copyright
(c) 2016, Economic Research Forum | (c) 2009, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics
Metadata production
DDI Document ID
PAL_LFS_2009_HD_V1
Producers
| Name | Abbreviation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Research Forum | ERF | Cleaning and harmonizing raw data received from the Statistical Agency |
Date of Metadata Production
2016-10
DDI Document version
Version 1