It's tempting to smile at the latest Blue Peter catastrophe, but I think it's a classic parallel to many a consultation scenario.
Put very simply, had the BBC programme announced that they were seeking suggestions for a name for this cat, they would have been free to ignore the viewers choice; after all it would have been a consultative vote only.
But having led the audience to believe that their votes would be conclusive, that's it, folks. No fudge factor; winner takes all!
It's all in the expectation-setting.
Now many consultators make the same mistake - and want to retain the flexibility to overule the majority opinion that emerges from respondents. That's perfectly okay, for consultation implies that ultimate decision-making vests with those in charge. But if that is the case, it must make sure everyone understands this!
Making the Blue Peter mistake is to infer that it is a binding vote when it isn't. Questionnaires that appear to be a plebiscite are clearly prone to this, so I think their organisers better take very special care.
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