Opinion Research Corporation: A Legacy of Global Market and Social Research
In the world of data-driven decision making, Opinion Research Corporation (ORC) stands as a long-established leader in demographic, health, and market research. Based in Princeton, New Jersey, the firm provides critical insights that help organizations navigate complex social and economic landscapes through rigorous data collection and analysis.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1938 by Claude Robinson and George Gallup.
- Headquarters: Princeton, New Jersey, US.
- Ownership: Currently owned by Lake Capital.
- Global Reach: Operates across the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region.
- Core Services: Social research, marketing research, and business intelligence.
- Financials (2009): Reported revenue of $499.9 million and operating income of $21.1 million.
Company History and Evolution
The origins of Opinion Research Corporation date back to 1938, when it was co-founded by Claude Robinson and George Gallup. While Gallup was instrumental in the firm's inception, he departed the company in 1939, leaving ORC to carve its own path in the research industry.
Over the decades, the company has undergone several structural changes. On August 4, 2006, ORC was acquired by InfoUSA for $12 per share in cash. However, the company eventually returned to independent status on July 1, 2011, following a majority investment and partnership with Lake Capital.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Global Operations and Specialized Services
ORC maintains a vast international footprint to ensure comprehensive data coverage. The company operates under different regional identities to better serve local markets:
- United States: Operating as ORC with offices in Princeton, New York City, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, and Seattle.
- Europe: Operating as ORC International with offices in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
- Asia: Operating as NWC Opinion Research with offices in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.
The firm specializes in several high-impact areas of business intelligence—the process of collecting and analyzing data to gain a competitive advantage. These include customer engagement strategies, market planning and development, employee engagement, corporate brand and reputation management, and competitive intelligence.
Industry Recognition and Partnerships
ORC is deeply integrated into the professional research community. It is a founding member of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO) and maintains memberships with the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR), the Association of Market and Social Research Organizations in Australia, and the UK-based Market Research Society Company Partner Service.
The company's influence is visible through high-profile collaborations. ORC is well-known for the CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll and its partnership with NYSE Euronext. The latter involves the annual NYSE Euronext CEO Report, which surveys leaders of New York Stock Exchange listing companies on critical topics such as governance, globalization, strategy, and human resources.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Corporate Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Industry | Market research and business services |
| President | Marc Litvinoff |
| Primary Products | Social, Marketing, and Demographic Research |
| Revenue (2009) | $499.9 million |
| Operating Income (2009) | $21.1 million |
| Website | www.opinionresearch.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Opinion Research Corporation?
The company was founded in 1938 by Claude Robinson and George Gallup, though Gallup left the firm in 1939.
What are the primary services offered by ORC?
ORC provides a wide range of services including social research, marketing research, customer engagement strategies, employee engagement, and corporate brand and reputation management.
Where does ORC operate globally?
ORC has a global presence with offices in the United States, Europe (as ORC International), and the Asia Pacific region (as NWC Opinion Research).
What is the NYSE Euronext CEO Report?
It is an annual report produced through a partnership between ORC and NYSE Euronext that surveys CEOs of companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange regarding strategy, governance, and human resources.
Who currently owns Opinion Research Corporation?
The company is owned by Lake Capital, which helped ORC return to independent status in 2011.