RATER model

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RATER model is an evolution of SERVQUAL method presented by A. Parasuraman, V. Zeithaml and L. Berry in 1988. The main idea is based on 5 gaps, which result in lower than expected quality of services. The authors proposed that the difference between expected and perceived quality should be evaluated in 5 dimensions:

The first letters of the dimensions create RATER. This order was established later, originally dimensions were presented in following order: tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy.

To each of dimensions authors assigned 4-5 pairs of sentences (total 2 x 22 sentences) which described gaps between certain aspects of services. The detailed procedure was described in article SERVQUAL.

Reliability

Is the company able to deliver what it promises? The main criteria taken into account by customers are:

  • Timeliness
  • Consistency
  • Regularity
  • Accuracy

Assurance

It is important that customer trusts employees delivering service. In case of many services, e.g. medical, it is essential. Therefore, the staff has to:

  • Be competent
  • Have respect for customer and other employees, partners, etc.
  • Be credible
  • Be confidential
  • Assure safety and security

Tangibles

The physical representation of the company and place where the service is delivered is usually the first what the customer sees. The first sight is crucial and can decide about whole service perception. The important aspects are:

Empathy

In services it is necessary to care about every customer and even wider - stakeholder. In many services the customer arrives with his/her family of friends (e.g. hospital services). It is necessary to be empathetic to all stakeholders. Empathy can be shown by:

  • Access to staff, services, information
  • Clear, appropriate and timely communication
  • Understanding the stakeholder
  • Appropriate service for customer needs
  • Individualized attention

Responsiveness

The willingness to help and provide prompt service can buy the heart of the customer. The most important aspects are:

  • Willingness to help
  • Prompt attention to requests
  • Problems resolution
  • Complaint handling
  • Flexibility

Using RATER model - an example

The model was used in a hotel. In that kind of business the employees are those, who make the service special. And in hotel almost every employee has contact with customer, and for sure everyone of them has impact on quality of service.

Reliability. Every new employee attends training and receives a handbook describing procedures in the hotel. During next 3 months the new employee is under observation of manager, who helps him to improve. Then the new employee becomes full-time employee. There is also special program for employees to keep their motivation and skills on high level.

Assurance. Employees are being empowered and motivated to improve their work, as well as indicate possibilities of improving the processes. The employees have right to fail, but they have to understand causes of an error and find ways to remove the causes. Managers help employees to detect and remove the causes.

Tangibles. There are cinema, boutiques, florist shop, bar, pub, restaurants in the hotel. All of these require to meet the customer's requirements. It is necessary to invest money to update rooms and facilities. It is managers duty to determine in advance the requirements of customers and update rooms before customers spot anything wrong.

Empathy. The employees are taught to not only hear the customer, but also understand what the customer wants to say. They should apologize for any situation that is not comfortable for customer and try to find way out. Employees are trained to see the things using customer's point of view.

Responsiveness. Every managers is required to create a list of things that they consider exceptional customer service. There are some things on the list common for all, but the rest is related to departments. The managers are responsible for keeping high level of service according to their list [Olson, Slater 2002]

Advantages of RATER model

The RATER model is an evolution of SERVQUAL method, which is based on the idea of evaluating the difference between expected and perceived quality in 5 dimensions. The RATER model has several advantages which make it a useful tool for measuring customer satisfaction:

  • It focuses on measuring customer satisfaction, which is essential for any business to understand its customers and improve the quality of services provided.
  • It is more detailed than SERVQUAL, as it has 8 dimensions and 22 items, which allows for a more granular analysis.
  • It has a strong theoretical basis, which makes it easier to interpret the results.
  • The model is easy to implement, as it requires minimal resources and time.
  • It is cost-effective and can be used to measure customer satisfaction in different markets.

Limitations of RATER model

The RATER model has several limitations which should be taken into account when using it:

  • The model is based on the customer’s perception, which is subjective. Different customers may have different views on a service and the results of the RATER model may be different for each customer.
  • The model does not take into account the quality of the actual service provided, which is an important factor in determining the quality of a service.
  • The model does not consider the cost of the service, which may be an important factor in the customer’s decision to use a service.
  • The model does not consider external factors, such as the competition or the current market conditions, which may have an influence on the quality of a service.
  • The model does not take into account changes in customer needs and expectations over time, which may lead to inaccurate results.

Other approaches related to RATER model

Aside from the SERVQUAL model, there are several other approaches related to RATER model.

  • Expectancy Disconfirmation Model: The Expectancy Disconfirmation Model is a theory that proposes that customers form expectations regarding the services they are about to receive and then compare this to their actual experience. This gap between expectation and experience can then be used to measure customer satisfaction.
  • Quality Function Deployment Model: The Quality Function Deployment Model is a systematic approach to product and service design that is based on customer input. It involves the analysis of customer needs and preferences in order to ensure that the product or service meets the customer’s expectations.
  • Performance Only Model: The Performance Only Model is a customer satisfaction model that focuses solely on the performance of the service. This model does not take into account the customer’s expectations or perceptions of the service, and instead simply evaluates the service on its own merits.
  • Customer Satisfaction Index Model: The Customer Satisfaction Index Model is a customer satisfaction model that uses a numerical scale to measure customer satisfaction. Customers are asked to rate the service on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being completely unsatisfied and 10 being completely satisfied.

In addition to the SERVQUAL model, other approaches related to RATER model include the Expectancy Disconfirmation Model, Quality Function Deployment Model, Performance Only Model, and the Customer Satisfaction Index Model. Each of these models has its own unique approach to measuring customer satisfaction.


RATER model — recommended articles
SERVQUAL — Quality policy — Work simplification — SERVPERF — Service quality model — Zero defects — Hospitality services quality — Product knowledge — Quality parameters

References

Author: Slawomir Wawak

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