Roper Organization

The Roper Organization was a Consumer Research/Public Relations Organization that was interested in finding out what drives consumer behavior. They surveyed consumers on their prime areas of concern; assisted corporations with reputation-building and public image based on its findings.

Background and history
The original firm bearing the Roper name was founded by Elmo Roper in 1933. The Roper Organization concentrated on custom research and study for individual clients, including tobacco companies. They conducted studies for political and social attitudes, marketing, community attitudes, attitudes toward television and other media. The organization also conducted a number of opinion surveys on legal evidence in both court and regulatory agency proceedings.

Burns W. "Bud" Roper joined the firm in 1946 following service as a bomber pilot with the 8th Air Force. He went on to become President of The Roper Organization. He also served as Vice President of the National Council on Public Polls; Chairman of the Board of the Roper Public Opinion Research Center at Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, and a member of the Board of Directors of United Nations Association. In 1973, the Roper Organization instituted the Roper Reports, nation-wide opinion surveys that were issued 10 times a year and were subscribed to by over 50 organizations including leading firms in business, advertising, and professional and trade associations, and governmental agencies.