Management-Research Question Hierarchy
Building the research question hierarchy begins from the initial step of the management dilemma that exists for the case study. The questions should start from the most general levels presented (Hannigan et al. 2019). NCRCC proves to face the management challenge of growing newly developed memberships and the need to increase the level of satisfaction by the current members. The two general problems existing include;
- Attraction and retention of new members to the club
- Elevating the satisfaction levels of the existing members to obtain their loyalty
The second step required to build the question hierarchy involves the restatement of the management dilemma in the form of questions. For instance, one may ask how the club can attract and retain clients to its membership. Another potential problem is the steps to be taken to elevate the satisfaction levels of the current members to keep them to the club. However, it is also apparent from the potential solutions that NCRCC cannot depend on a membership only for sustainability. It can also remain outstanding and establish an open membership framework for better performance. The third step involves the formulation of the research hypotheses that reflect on the set objectives. This step enables the research procedure to refine the question proposals further and reflect on the management dilemma that was initially established (Asenahabi, 2019). The fourth step of the hierarchy then involves a statement of investigative questions aiming at soliciting relevant information. The obtained information primarily enables the determination of the right procedure in taking the appropriate course of action.
Therefore, the management-research question hierarchy is as follows;
- The underlying management dilemma
- NCRCC needs to gain new memberships
- NCRCC needs to increase the satisfaction levels of the current members
- Management question
- How can the club attract new members?
- How can the club elevate the satisfaction levels of the current members to increase their loyalty?
- Formulated research questions
- What are the subscription criteria for new members, and how do the rates compare with other clubs owned privately?
- Are there additional amenities at the disposal of the club that can further increase the satisfaction of the current members?
- Investigative question
- What strategies do the other eight clubs in the neighborhoods use to get the attention of the potential members and attract them?
- What are the potential market dynamics that cause the disinterest of the prospective members and keeping them away from joining any club?
- How can the club use a renovation plan to increase the satisfaction of the existing members?
The measurement questions from the focus groups are conducted and concur with the stated issues. The research aimed at finding out what most new members perceive to be their source of attraction to the club. The survey questions targeted both family setting and single individuals to get their opinion on what would be an ideal source of fascination and retention of new memberships. The questions also enable the research procedure to have a better reflection on the management dilemma that guides the other research questions developed.
Appropriateness of the Measurement Questions
The research question was seeking to find the available and feasible improvement actions by the management to correct the membership problem. The measurement questions should, therefore, determine the areas that need maximum attention, and the facilities that the club needs to focus on availing for the members (Raghuram et al. 2017). The measurement questions were suitable because the research framework was able to establish NCRCC’s penetration rate among members and nonmembers. The penetration rate can act as an apparent solution. Still, other question prompts also served to indicate the need for the club to remain outstanding to attract potential members to its brand. The measurement questions also investigated the employees’ needs. They were appropriate in finding out their preferences and factors that can give them a reason to remain loyal to the club service. Their choice for a full-service environment in the club shows the required action course by the administration to retain them.
The measurement questions were quite thorough and appropriate for use by the management for decision-making. The suitability reflects on the survey results, which reveals the factors that most people considered favorable for their membership (Kastner et al. 2016). For instance, a majority of the people gave their feedback with the amenities they prefer to be established, such as a lounge area to improve their experience while utilizing the club services. The results also indicate a percentage of the current members who are less interested in any changes made. The management can use the information obtained from the survey questions to reallocate the company’s resources aiming at meeting the desires of its members. Generally, the result from questions asked indicates that the outstanding desire by members is a better social experience, and this can be the starting point of the management efforts to initiate change.
References
Hannigan, T. R., Haans, R. F., Vakili, K., Tchalian, H., Glaser, V. L., Wang, M. S., … & Jennings, P. D. (2019). Topic modeling in management research: Rendering new theory from textual data. Academy of Management Annals, 13(2), 586-632.
Raghuram, S., Brewster, C., Chen, X. P., Farndale, E., Gully, S., & Morley, M. J. (2017). On theory, technique, and text: guidelines and suggestions on publishing International Human Resource Management Research. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 28(12), 1640-1660.
Kastner, M., Antony, J., Soobiah, C., Straus, S. E., & Tricco, A. C. (2016). Conceptual recommendations for selecting the most appropriate knowledge synthesis method to answer research questions related to complex evidence. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 73, 43-49.
Asenahabi, B. M. (2019). Basics of Research Design: A Guide to Selecting an appropriate research design. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Researches, 6(5), 76-89.