MHA5010 WEEK 1 DISCUSSION AND PROJECT

MHA5010 HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR WEEK 1 LECTURE Page | 1

MHA5010 HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR WEEK 1 LECTURE Page | 1

Organizational Development in Healthcare

Organizational Theory in Healthcare

When we discuss organizational design and behavior we are describing, analyzing, understanding, and improving healthcare organizations based on patterns of previous information obtained from research. Many may state that it is always helpful to have a good theory. Healthcare organizations and managers/leaders utilize core theories to guide them and shape them when it comes to change and development. A successful healthcare manager is a leader who understands organization theory. A successful healthcare manager/leader is an observer of organizational behavior and promotes change that fosters organization development. As a healthcare manager/leader, the important task is to administer entire healthcare systems, such as hospitals. Differing opinions exist as to how these healthcare systems should be run.

The effectiveness of a hospital or other healthcare facility depends upon the type of healthcare management/organizational theory it subscribes to and how well that theory is implemented.

The Role of Organizational Culture:

Culture in any organization plays an important part to help keep it healthy and happy. Most healthcare managers/leaders will say that they understand the culture in their organization but really, they should also realize their roles and responsibilities when it comes developing this culture. Healthcare managers/leaders must realize their function in establishing and maintaining an organization’s culture.

Leadership is the beginning point of the attitudes, values, and behaviors of an institution. Healthcare managers/leaders must not forget the importance of being consistent when expressing these attitudes, values, and desired behaviors. For any successful organization, leadership is the key and healthcare managers/leaders need to understand that being consistent when expressing these attitudes, values, and desired behaviors will help to provide a harmonious workplace. This is done through role modelling and communication at all levels.

Organizational Development in Healthcare

Organizational Theory in Healthcare

Organizational Development (OD) is a field of research, theory, and practice that deals with the expansion of knowledge and effectiveness of people in order to accomplish organizational change and performance. OD interventions are inclusive methodologies and are pathways to strategic planning, organization design, leadership development, change management, performance management, coaching, diversity, team building, and work/life balance. OD helps the healthcare managers/leaders in the healthcare organization deliver performance improvement that is sustainable. Healthcare managers/leaders practice OD usually and have a strong humanistic and democratic

approach to organizational change. People and collaboration play an important role in any OD intervention.

Healthcare is changing and organizations will have to shift their operations effectively to be in an atmosphere that emphasizes quality of care, data, and medical necessity. Leadership and OD are seen as a necessity for building a strong and confident culture. They are increasingly becoming strategic business goals for healthcare organizations in their drive to adapt and anticipate change.

OD should be led by skilled healthcare managers/leaders who will lead the necessary changes in service configuration and organizational culture. Healthcare managers/leaders need to develop skills to enable them to effectively lead the design and delivery of health services. Healthcare managers/leaders should always look for efforts to accomplish successful and significant change. Some will be successful and others may continually struggle and fail.

OD is an initiative which attempts to influence the members of a healthcare organization to take greater responsibility for their actions as members of the organization.

Human Resources in Healthcare

Human resources (HR) focuses on recruiting, managing, and providing direction to the people who work in the healthcare organization. The benefits of the HR department have gradually evolved and gained importance in healthcare, owing to challenges such as economic instabilities, healthcare regulations, and a dearth of experienced personnel. The healthcare manager/leader will work with HR to organize and select the appropriate candidates.

Gone are the days of the personnel departments, HR departments have become more recognized in the healthcare industry and its partners when it comes to healthcare regulations and finding talented personnel. It is essential that a healthcare facility is staffed with suitable personnel. The healthcare manager/leader will work with HR to organize and select the appropriate candidates. Healthcare managers/leaders will work with HR regarding employee pay and benefits for both new recruits and existing employees.

A healthcare facility needs the expertise of qualified and reliable members to ensure that healthcare services are adequately delivered, there are limited complaints from patients, and less sanctions from the authorities. Proper management of HR is critical in providing a high quality of healthcare. Effective HRM strategies play an important role in the achievement of better outcomes regarding delivery of quality healthcare.

Since all healthcare is ultimately delivered by and to people, a strong understanding of HRM issues is required to ensure the success of any healthcare program. HR initiatives are required in many healthcare systems and more extensive research must be conducted to bring about new HR policies and practices that will benefit individuals. Talent management and workforce planning solutions are emerging concepts that are being increasingly used by many organizations.

As part of that, better performance management practices will enable them to identify, develop, and retain not just all employees but the right ones. As discussed, healthcare facilities need to have a talented workforce and proper management because these are the important tools to help provide quality healthcare. As we know, healthcare is delivered by people and it is very important to have the proper understanding when it comes to HR to find the right people to do the job, for a successful healthcare organization. HR should always look to improve by staying up-to-date with HR policies and practices that will help to reduce inconsistencies and increase communication.