A Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of the Septic Industry in Snohomish County, Washington

35 Pages Posted: 22 Nov 2012

See all articles by Thomas W Murphy

Thomas W Murphy

Edmonds College

Penny Green

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Lisa Quirk

Independent

Date Written: April 29, 2009

Abstract

A rapid ethnographic assessment of the septic industry in Snohomish County, Washington reveals that the knowledge of professionals in the field can contribute valuably to a social marketing campaign directed at homeowners. Intensive daily interaction with homeowners gives septic designers, installers and pumpers a front row seat for observing common household mistakes and an insight into possible motivations and barriers to quality care and maintenance of septic systems. Septic professionals working across multiple county boundaries have constructive and valuable suggestions for local government’s efforts to guide human behavior through policies, incentives and marketing.

Keywords: Rapid Ethnographic Assessment, Social Marketing, Snohomish County, Septic Industry, Washington

JEL Classification: D10, H51, H70, I18, M30, Q25

Suggested Citation

Murphy, Thomas and Green, Penny and Quirk, Lisa, A Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of the Septic Industry in Snohomish County, Washington (April 29, 2009). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2177683 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2177683

Thomas Murphy (Contact Author)

Edmonds College ( email )

20000 68th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98036
United States
425-640-1076 (Phone)
425-771-3366 (Fax)

Penny Green

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Lisa Quirk

Independent ( email )

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