THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS AND SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS ON THE BUSINESS CULTURE OF THERAPY CENTERS IN BULACAN

Abstract

This phenomenological research focused on determining the nature of work and business customs of therapy centers based on perceptions of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, therapy clinic owners, special education teachers, and parents. It would aid in making readers understand what it is like to deal with the ins and outs of therapy centers. Additionally, it aims to discover means in addressing the needs of people with disabilities through the intervention of therapists and therapy centers to better face the challenges in the community and the society.

Data from questionnaires, interviews, observations and immersion aimed to provide insight and promote awareness. The process of coding made it easier to formulate themes. In this study, these themes emerged, (1) Bridging Connections, (2) Developing Positive Organization and (3) Committing to Its Goals.

Findings identified the lack of business orientation of owners and lack of therapists as main weaknesses of therapy centers while the clan type organizational culture stood as its major strength. The study discovered that the organization being rooted in friendship and patterned as families contributed to the smooth flow of working relationships. It was confirmed from the findings that therapy centers’ clinical practices were both acquired and learned as the business flourished. The growth and success of the business heavily relied on word of mouth referrals. The study strongly recommended the strengthening of connections among therapy centers, associations and local government agencies involved in the industry. Focusing on the enhancement of therapists’ skills and developing new programs were identified to be vital in branding and marketing the centers. A formation of a therapy control monitoring body to determine the performance of therapy center businesses and quality of services was highly recommended.

Keywords : occupational therapists, speech pathologists, business culture, therapy centers