Akron Childrens Hospital Analysis

Table of Contents

Introduction
Hierarchy
Advantages and Disadvantages
Brand Promise
Observation Study
Ethical Issues
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Research conducted within an organization provides valuable information about the establishments operations. The case of Akron Childrens Hospital (ACH) demonstrates how a studys findings can help in developing the positioning of the institution (Schindler, 2022). At the time of the research, ACH was experiencing trouble in differentiating itself as a player in a highly competitive healthcare market located in Northeastern Ohio (Schindler, 2022). The examination of ACH revealed the hospitals problems and determined ways to promote the organization in the healthcare sector.

Hierarchy

The management-research question hierarchy (MRQH) for ACH depicts the primary issues in the establishment. The lowest level of ACHs MRQH is the management dilemma asking how ACH can distinguish itself from its competitors (Akron, n.d.; Schindler, 2022). Above the dilemma stands the management question, which queries how parents decide where to take their children needing extensive medical care (Akron, n.d.; Schindler, 2022). The next level is represented by research questions that ask what direction the analysis should pursue (Schindler, 2022). For instance, ACHs examination concentrated on identifying peoples hospital-choice decision process (Akron, n.d.). The following stage of MRQH encompasses investigative questions reflecting what the manager needs to know to solve the initial dilemma (Schindler, 2022). For example, ACHs researchers resolved to consider the involvement of parents, children, and practitioners in the formers decision-making (Akron, n.d.). The highest level in the hierarchy includes measurement questions that illustrate what is being investigated (Schindler, 2022). ACHs study observed the interactions between the hospitals consumers and employees (Akron, n.d.). Accordingly, MRQH for ACH is based on the organizations dilemma of differentiating from its rivals and relevant questions on how people choose a medical facility.

Advantages and Disadvantages

An observation study, which was utilized in ACHs research, has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, observations are associated with extensive analysis of participants relations with other people, objects, processes, and environments and are quite insightful for business purposes (Schindler, 2022). On the other hand, participants are likely to be influenced by the observer, who has a dual role during the process (Schindler, 2022). Consequently, the main advantage of an observation study for ACHs research is that the results and suggestions are based on a thorough examination, whereas the primary disadvantage is the questionable reliability of the findings.

Brand Promise

The brand promise recommendation demonstrates that researchers participated in a variety of ACHs operations and determined how to encourage people to choose the hospital over other institutions. The proposed brand promise emphasizes that ACH puts all its resources, such as energy, technology, and creativity, into helping children (Akron, n.d.). Accordingly, the recommendation reveals that researchers experienced how the hospital functions and interacts with its patients and concluded that the organization prioritizes its consumers needs.

Observation Study

If I were developing such an observation study, I would direct researchers similarly to ACHs analysis but with some modifications. For instance, in addition to monitoring the interactions between the hospitals clients and employees, I would ask observers to record how parents react to different exchanges between practitioners and children (Akron, n.d.). If approved by ACH, I would encourage my colleagues to look for difficulties in the workers relations when consumers are not around to determine if there are any conflicts that may hinder the organizations functioning. Moreover, I would order data collectors to listen to what children say about their interactions with physicians, as youths poor feedback is likely to affect parents perception of the institution. Notably, if I had sufficient resources, I would invest in training observers to increase the likelihood of the findings being reliable (Schindler, 2022). Overall, if I were to design an observation study, I would probably follow ACHs example but direct researchers to also address parents reactions, employees interactions, and childrens commentaries.

Ethical Issues

Studies conducted in hospitals can present considerable ethical issues (EIs). For example, EIs that may surface within healthcare settings concern patients wellness as people at medical facilities may be vulnerable, and a poor research design may lead to causing harm or invading privacy (Schindler, 2022). Accordingly, EIs concentrate on matters of deception, access, security, confidentiality, bias, respect, notice, and quality, and both participant and researchers have distinct ethical responsibilities (Schindler, 2022). Furthermore, ACHs observational study is also associated with EIs since observers are likely to conceal their presence or even the participants involvement (Schindler, 2022). Although individuals monitored have to be notified when the analysis ends, they may feel violated even if they are being watched in public places (Schindler, 2022). Therefore, EIs that would surface in hospital studies and ACHs examination are those focusing on the rights of all concerned parties.

Conclusion

To summarize, the research conducted at Akron Childrens Hospital identified the organizations problems and suggested how to resolve the situation. The hospital needed to differentiate itself from its competitors by determining how parents decide where to take their children in need of medical assistance. Accordingly, researchers designed an observation study that proposed a solution for ACH. The case demonstrates that although observation-based examinations are associated with significant ethical issues and are not always reliable, they can provide sufficient insights.