Independence and Objectivity

Make successful business decisions with confidence

Working with Gartner analysts and consultants before making major business decisions can be the difference between success and failure. Our objective research and insights give you absolute assurance that we work with your best interests in mind and enable you to make successful business decisions with confidence.


Analyst ethics

Our analysts develop their viewpoints without influence, stating the facts as they see them. To ensure analytical independence, accuracy and integrity, Gartner maintains a Code of Conduct that describes our core values and the boundaries our analysts and associates are required to observe.

Among the strict guidelines we uphold, our analysts:

  • Cannot own stock in companies or sectors they cover
  • Are not permitted to be board members of any company in any industry that is within our scope of research coverage


Industry independence

We take our independence very seriously. Gartner does not sell technology, nor do we implement technology solutions or projects. We have no vested interest in whether a particular technology or business practice succeeds or fails. This means our analysts and consultants are unbiased, providing insight and advice you can trust.

We have strict guidelines for technology provider relationships and provider research. While technology providers purchase Gartner services to obtain knowledge and market insights, or purchase exhibit space at Gartner conferences to reach highly qualified audiences, the vast majority of our revenue comes from end users of technology. To ensure there is no implied endorsement, we have guidelines for the republishing of our research and the use of quotations. Gartner has no interest in “downstream” implementation of the technologies.

No other research or consulting firm can offer insights that are as consistently objective and accurate as ours.


The Office of the Ombuds

An Ombuds safeguards methods, ethics and standards and is a facilitator of disputes. Gartner is the only research organization of its kind with an internal Office of the Ombuds.

The Office of the Ombuds protects Gartner’s independence, objectivity and accuracy. It provides analysts, consultants and other employees with a protective mechanism should unwanted influence be exerted, and brings greater consistency to all processes.

The Office of the Ombuds ensures that Gartner analysts are allowed to operate independent of influence, that their opinions are grounded in a consistent methodology and that any dispute around fairness or accuracy is resolved openly and equitably.

Independence: Freedom from control or influence of another or others.

Objectivity: Judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by emotions or personal prejudices.

Thoughtful companies deal proactively with potentially contentious issues and have mechanisms to handle disputes and rumors. At Gartner, the Office of the Ombuds is that mechanism. Our integrity is everything. Safeguarding it protects the interests of our clients.

Nancy Erskine

Group Vice President, Ombuds, Gartner