Key Differences
Recommendations and findings are two distinct elements of a research report, analysis, or evaluation. They serve different purposes and are presented in different ways.
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Findings are the results of your research, analysis, or evaluation. They are the facts you have uncovered through your investigation. They are typically presented in a factual, objective manner, without any interpretation or judgment.
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Recommendations are suggestions based on your findings. They are actions that you believe should be taken based on what you have learned. They are typically presented in a more subjective manner, reflecting your opinion or judgment.
Examples
Imagine you are conducting a survey on employee satisfaction.
- Findings: You discover that 60% of employees are dissatisfied with their work-life balance.
- Recommendation: Based on this finding, you recommend implementing a flexible work schedule policy to improve employee satisfaction.
Practical Insights
- Findings are the foundation for recommendations.
- Recommendations should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
- Recommendations should be actionable, meaning they can be implemented.
In Conclusion
Understanding the difference between recommendations and findings is crucial for effectively communicating research findings and influencing decision-making. Findings provide the evidence, while recommendations offer a path forward based on that evidence.
