Hybrids do it better: Lessons from websites of hybrid organizations in modern health movements

Health Mark Q. 2016;33(1):15-30. doi: 10.1080/07359683.2016.1131577.

Abstract

Hybrid organizations in modern health movements adopt multiple organizational logistics, allowing them to more effectively achieve social change. We conducted an analysis of 152 probreastfeeding organization websites categorized as institutionalized organizations, grassroots organizations, or hybrid organizations. Through a series of ANOVA analyses, we found that hybrid's websites provide significantly more useful health care information, better maintained dialogue with members, more efficiently mobilized members, commoditized health care issues less, and created member identity while maintaining institutional ties. Ultimately, hybrids tended to incorporate the positive elements from both grassroots and institutional organizations, while rejecting many of the negative elements.

Keywords: Health activism; health movements; hybrid organizations; website design.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding
  • Consumer Organizations*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Internet*
  • User-Computer Interface*