Introduction
Therapeutic care, which aims to achieve well-being and increase productivity, is integral to effective working practices. The scope of this essay examines the phenomenon of support animals (SAs) that may be practical for use in business. The paper analyzes three articles published in reputable academic sources in the last six months.
The motivation for selecting this topic was to investigate the current state of various fields of knowledge regarding the use of SAs to implement human support. The selection of articles for review was based on inclusion criteria, including the date of publication, scientific focus, English language writing, and the use of keywords such as “support animals,” “animals in business,” or “ESA in business,” as well as their combinations.
Source Summaries
This essay analyzes two journal articles and one thesis, linking all three sources by their academic focus. However, the primary difference between them lies in their target audience and the journal in which they were published. The field of knowledge within which the work was created also differs.
Firstly, Ferrell and Crowley (2023) devote a research article to investigating the patterns that emerge when using guide dogs in the workplace. Second, Lehtoranta (2023) investigates the customer experience of air travel by tourists with SAs and how this experience can be improved. Third, Nghiêm-Phú and Phạm-Lê (2023) focus on exploring the concept of animal cafés where animals are used as therapeutic support for people. Thus, the main difference between the sources lies in the exact role in which SAs for businesses are investigated, thereby creating a comprehensive overview of the current scientific evidence.
Objectives of the Articles
The authors of the sources used differ in their purposes. Ferrell and Crowley (2023) aim to investigate people’s working capabilities using SAs. The authors intended to identify the management patterns of SAs to assess the frequency of problems encountered and the needs of employees. The sample in this study was predominantly respondents with mental health problems; therefore, dogs were used as therapeutic support for such individuals.
In Lehtoranta’s (2023) thesis, the main aim was to investigate the potential of the civil aviation industry to improve the customer experience of people traveling with SAs. The author deliberately does not reduce the population to the cohort of passengers who use animals for guide purposes, but considers all travelers who consider it essential to bring an animal with them. Key issues Lehtoranta (2023) addressed include examining the vulnerabilities of the current aviation system, opportunities for growth in service quality, and regulatory requirements of SAs’ transportation.
Finally, Nghiêm-Phú and Phạm-Lê (2023) aim their research study to examine customer service patterns in cafés with SAs. The authors focus on data analysis to identify the benefits and limitations of customers. The study employs a qualitative approach, incorporating feedback from 400 respondents. Thus, this research article uses a data-driven approach to critically examine the point-of-service catering industry, where SAs play an essential role.
New Ideas
Although most conclusions can be categorized as expected, some of the findings deserve special attention. Nghiêm-Phú and Phạm-Lê (2023) showed that cafés with SAs can cause negative feelings in customers, namely stress and anxiety. This may seem like an unexpected finding, as the audience of such establishments is aware of the conditions they will encounter and that animals will surround them everywhere. Ferrell and Crowley (2023) have shown that even service dogs used for spatial orientation and human support can exhibit aggression. This finding is novel because it is generally assumed that such animals are calmer and more restrained than untrained pets.
The researchers documented cases of such dogs killing other pets, which is regarded as an unexpected finding. Lehtoranta’s (2023) thesis also had new findings: the author concludes that current civil aviation is unsuited for travelers with SAs. While it is clear that this industry is associated with severe requirements and constraints, the fulfillment of which is critical for safety, the author’s innovative approach is to offer sound practical recommendations for airlines to increase their audience.
Validity of Findings
The authors used either a statistical approach or standardized methods to substantiate their findings. Thus, none of the conclusions were spontaneous or random, but rather stemmed entirely from the methodological bases of the work conducted. In turn, this consistency in the formation of conclusions, combined with the scientific focus of each source, makes it impossible to doubt their validity. For this reason, although many of the findings were unexpected and unforeseen, I can accept them.
Lessons Learned
A thorough reading allowed for broadening horizons regarding the topic under review: previously held ideas about how animals can be integrated into business models were greatly expanded by these sources. Whereas I had previously imagined that the role of animals was limited to their technical capabilities — such as spatial orientation — it is now clear that their emotional support for people is equally important. It follows that it is essential for businesses to provide inclusivity for vulnerable groups and individuals in need of animal care, as this is a crucial part of achieving their well-being.
The knowledge gained can be easily applied to both everyday and professional practices. In everyday life, I will endeavor to support businesses that respect animals and create opportunities for people with pets to access them. Regarding professional practice, I recognize that businesses need to expand in various directions, and providing accessibility for individuals with animals is a crucial growth strategy.
Conclusion
Using animals for business is no longer a rarity in today’s market realities. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and increased accessibility, businesses must expand opportunities for employees and customers who require support services. This paper reviewed three research papers that showed unexpected results.
Even SAs can be dangerous, so businesses need to assess risks and form a safe environment without excluding animals. In addition, even cafés with SAs can be stressful for customers, which means that research needs to be done, and opportunities for improvement need to be evaluated. Finally, businesses need to evolve constantly, and a more seamless integration of animals is necessary, as it increases brand awareness and audience.
References
Ferrell, J., & Crowley, S. L. (2023). Emotional support animal partnerships: Behavior, welfare, and clinical involvement. Anthrozoös, 36(3), 471-487. Web.
Lehtoranta, N. (2023). Enhancing the customer journey for passengers traveling with pets by air [PDF document]. Web.
Nghiêm-Phú, B., & Phạm-Lê, D. H. (2023). The psychological benefits and costs, and the servicescape components of animal cafés: A study in Japan. Services Marketing Quarterly, 44(1), 16-29. Web.