Hierarchical Satisfaction Metric System for Standardized Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing employee satisfaction are inefficient due to inaccuracies in paper response forms, low participation in electronic surveys due to confidentiality and access issues, and inconsistent results from external consultants, lacking a standardized valuation system for comparing responses across different organizations.
Innovation Solution
A hierarchical-based survey system that allows participants to assign raw values and satisfaction scores to attributes, using a data-gathering interface such as web servers or touch-tone telephone systems, which calculates weighted satisfaction scores and provides a standardized assessment method for comparing results across different organizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If paper response forms are used to assess employee satisfaction, then employees can provide feedback, but the convenience and ease of filling out forms is poor leading to reduced effectiveness and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper-based response form system with an electronic computer-based survey system. The electronic system automatically presents questions, collects responses, and processes data, eliminating the manual filling and handling of paper forms while improving both accuracy through structured electronic data collection and ease of operation through automated interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic survey system allows employees to independently complete satisfaction assessments at their convenience without requiring external assistance for form distribution, collection, or processing. The system automatically manages the entire survey workflow, enabling employees to access, complete, and submit responses autonomously through computer interfaces.
2Productivity
If electronic surveys are used to gather employee feedback, then data collection is automated, but participation rates decrease due to confidentiality concerns and difficulty of access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer-based intermediary system that mediates between employees and the survey organization. This electronic intermediary allows employees to anonymously complete surveys through computer interfaces, addressing confidentiality concerns by eliminating direct human interaction while maintaining automated data collection efficiency. The system serves as a neutral mediator that protects employee privacy while enabling participation.
3Measurement precision
If external consultants conduct satisfaction evaluations, then specialized assessment can be provided, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive requiring consultant travel and employee time off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service electronic survey system where employees independently complete satisfaction assessments without requiring external consultant intervention. The computer-based system automatically administers standardized surveys, collects responses, and generates results, eliminating the need for consultant travel, scheduling, and manual data processing while maintaining assessment quality through structured electronic questionnaires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical consultant-based assessment process with an automated electronic survey system. The computer-based system performs all assessment functions previously requiring human consultants, including question presentation, response collection, data processing, and result generation, thereby eliminating travel time, scheduling coordination, and manual analysis while maintaining measurement precision.
4Device complexity
If traditional survey methods are used without valuation weighting, then simple data collection is achieved, but the results lack the ability to assess individual sense of value and cannot be properly weighted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the satisfaction assessment into multiple hierarchical levels, including specific attributes and broader categories. At each level, the system collects both satisfaction ratings and value assessments separately. This segmentation allows the system to capture detailed value information for individual attributes while maintaining organized hierarchical structures that facilitate comprehensive analysis without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to traditional surveys by collecting both satisfaction ratings and value assessments as separate measurements. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture the dual aspects of employee sentiment (how satisfied they are and how much they value each attribute) enabling weighted analysis that reflects both satisfaction levels and relative importance of different survey attributes.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention relates generally to satisfaction metrics, their methods of administration, and computer programmable products loaded with the satisfaction metrics. The satisfaction metrics of the subject invention allow the participant to assess his or her satisfaction with general and specific attributes of any organization and to assign a relative value to the attribute relative to the other attributes. A weighted satisfaction score can be computed from the relative values and raw satisfaction scores of the general and specific attributes.