Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: March 23, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 55)]

[Notices]

[Page 13960-13961]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr23mr99-31]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Notice of Request for Approval of New Information Collection.

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces Rural Business-Cooperative Service's (RBS) intention to request approval of an information collection in support of the Mid- to Upper Level Management and Sales/Field Representatives Compensation Survey.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by May 24, 1999, to be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beverly L. Rotan, Agricultural Economist, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Cooperative Resources and Management Division, USDA, Stop 3253, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250, telephone number (202) 690-2413 (this is not a toll free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Mid- to Upper=Level Management and Sales/Field Representatives Compensation Survey.

Type of Request: New Information Collection.

Abstract: Changing agricultural markets, services, new farming techniques/technology (biotechnology, value-added products, etc.) available to cooperatives require them to closely examine methods to identify, attract, and retain the employment of competent, productive employees. The unique nature of the cooperative business requires the services of employees with special skills in addition to their areas of technical expertise. The ``owner is customer'' characteristic of cooperatives requires cooperative employees to have skills in education, communications, governance, and member relations that are not typically required of employees in any other type of business. Subsequently, compensation data on the general business population do not reflect the unique requirements of cooperatives. This study will also serve as a guide to established cooperatives.

RBS has received an increasing number of inquiries from cooperatives, farm organizations (National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC), University extension agents, etc.), and other interested clientele asking for updated data on employee compensation and comparable salary information for various job categories; with an added interest for cooperative directors' compensation. The most recent investigation into compensation for specified job classification was done in 1991. Before that time the most recent study was done in 1962.

[[Page 13961]]

In order to minimize burden on small businesses, an effort was made to identify any other private or government departments which collected data on specific cooperative salaries and benefit packages. After discussions with representatives of the Census Bureau, Population-- National Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis--Chief of Farm Income, Regional Economic Measurement Division, it was evident that the most relevant data available through these agencies were labor wages aggregated by county. This information isn't specific enough to supply adequate details pertaining to salary ranges, factors involved in setting salaries, and educational background for cooperative employees.

The initial users of the information collected will be managers, directors, and other cooperative leaders and policy makers of cooperatives. New cooperatives will use the resulting report primarily as a guide for setting their cooperative's benefit/compensation packages. Established cooperatives will use the resulting report primarily as a comparison of their present salary/benefit base. The report will also give new cooperatives a basis to evaluate their perspective employees' educational and/or work experience and backgrounds in order to formulate an adequate benefit/compensation package.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at .75 hour per survey, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing survey

Respondents: Cooperative managers and human resources personnel.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.

Estimated Number of Responses per respondent: 1.

Estimated Total Burden on Respondent: 225 Hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Jean Mosely, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692-0041.

Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of RBS' estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Jean Mosely, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250. Comments may be submitted via the Internet by addressing them to Comments@rus.usda.gov. and must contain the word ``compensation'' in the subject. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: March 11, 1999. Dayton J. Watkins, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

[FR Doc. 99-6998Filed3-22-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-XY-U