Gap analysis

Back to glossary

Gap analysis

Gap analysis is a technique used in market research and business strategy to identify the difference, or 'gap', between a current situation and a desired future state. It helps organisations understand where they are now, where they want to be, and what needs to change in order to achieve their goals.

In a research context, gap analysis often involves comparing current performance, perceptions, or behaviours with target outcomes or expectations. For example, a company may compare customers’ current satisfaction levels with the level of service they aim to deliver, or compare their market position with that of competitors. The differences between these measures highlight areas where improvement may be needed.

Gap analysis can be applied in a range of market research areas, including customer satisfaction, brand perception, service quality, and employee engagement. By identifying gaps between expectations and reality, organisations can prioritise actions, allocate resources more effectively, and develop strategies to improve performance.

Market research plays a key role in gap analysis by providing the data and insights required to measure current performance and understand stakeholder expectations. This evidence-based approach helps organisations make informed decisions about how to close the identified gaps.

Why partner with DJS Research?

Senior-led sector experts icon

We build small, director-led, teams of sector experts who are with you from brief to debrief. As an employee-owned company, every one of us is invested in delivering quality, value, and long-term impact.

Research design icon

From agile testing to deep-dive strategic studies, we design research to meet your specific objectives. The agility of our in-house operations team and strength of our UK-wide recruiter network enable seamless execution at scale.

Customer understanding icon

Our sector-focused teams have decades of experience understanding audiences and the complexities of the markets in which our clients operate. Working collaboratively we deliver actionable insight which drives positive change.

We are small enough. We are big enough. We are DJS Research

We'd love to talk...

Contact us today to discuss your next market research project and discover how we could become a valuable extension of your team.

Contact us

Contact us today to discuss your next market research project and discover how we could become a valuable extension of your team.

Contact us