Organizational Behavior Management

Case Study: Organizational Behavior Management

Grace Robinson 

MHA 601 Principles of Healthcare Administration 

Jacquelyn Curry-Reasor 

November 12th, 2018 

Abstract

        Effective leadership is the ability to recognize and nurture the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and build teams committed to achieving the same common goals. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of organizational behavior and feedback within teams to ensure success.  The case study presents strategies and interventions used to increase patient safety and overall performance.  The study demonstrates group effort and communication as well as environmental knowledge for the successful implementation of the required framework.

Organizational Behavior Management

“The Art of Communication is the Language of Leadership”.   James Humes.

Evidence-based practice and clinical effectiveness have been key platforms utilized in the healthcare industry.  Evidence-based management has been considered a family approach to decision making in order to provide a solid framework of competency (Briner et al, 2017). This method acknowledges general practices to include mindfulness, pragmatism, and knowledge.  The case study demonstrates a style of leadership referred to as ‘Democratic Leadership’ which was employed in order to effect change in increasing patient safety across the board.  Democratic leadership incorporates workers’ input before making a final decision and is directly related to motivation, interpersonal behavior, and communication.  This aids in the development of teamwork and increases worker integrity.

Cohesive groups are vital in an organization and form both informal and formal structures based upon skills, social and individual relationships.  Individuals who share a common goal and/or task with regards to a problematic issue will join together to achieve a successful outcome.  Identifying that employees are unable to complete their assigned tasks without relating to others, alongside the need to feel belonging in an organization, is one of many steps taken within the case study to achieve successful intervention techniques. Constructive group feedback, whether the group was on the receiving or giving end of the conversation, is the exchange of invaluable information.  Group discussions allow for more fluid criticism to be raised minus the interjection of harsh judgment usually associated with individual confrontation.  Group-based feedback also allows for manipulations of group-based pride and respect as each individual acknowledges the responsibility for concerted progress. The case study is the epitome of group openness, positive thinking and forward movement therefore demonstrating the extreme benefits of employees whom were enlightened as to the need to report any sentinel event and learn from the respective circumstances surrounding the event (Frates, 2014).  Coupled with the use of positive organizational behavior which is propelled by focusing on individual’s strengths and capabilities, in lieu of  corrective reprimands also allowed for group members to be more forthcoming with reporting and offering factual feedback (Frates, 2014).

Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, also commonly referred to as TeamSTEPPS, may have also been used as an organizational strategy in this case study.  TeamSTEPPS is a conceptual framework used to identify the necessary skills for a successful team based environment.  The idea was developed to provide tools for improving patient outcomes, staff knowledge and staff behavior (AHRQ, 2018).  The curriculum includes suggestions for daily huddles to be conducted at the beginning of each shift to discuss and identify barriers to teamwork with proposed resolutions to overcome any barriers.  These huddles would also facilitate what is known as ‘situational awareness’ (Salas et al, 2008).

Ensuring employees that their performance is up to par is one step closer to heightened employee engagement.  In addition to information and practice-based delivery methods, fostering improvement within the team through communication and training initiatives will also support the use of employee feedback in the process of performance improvement. As an added organizational teamwork initiative, implementing consistent team building exercises in small groups is one such method in which this can be achieved.  Team building is designed to enhance the effectiveness of organizational teams and boost group operation.  Team building exercises are formalized and structured learning experiences which encompasses not only the performance skills needed but also includes sensitivity training which encourages trust, loyalty, commitment, creativity, conflict resolution, and critical thinking are developed (Sanjiv, K., et al, 2014).