Organizational culture plays a critical role in shaping the workplace environment and influencing the behaviour and attitudes of employees. This is especially crucial in case of residential aged care facilities, where the organizational culture could have a prominent impact on the quality of care provided to elderly residents.
What is organizational culture?
Organizational culture is a collection of shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape how members of an organization perceive and interact with each other. It can be conscious or unconscious, shaping how decisions are made, rules are followed, and the kind of environment created for employees. A strong and positive organizational culture could foster a sense of community and purpose among employees, improving job satisfaction and organizational performance.
Organizational culture in residential aged care facilities
The residential aged care industry is unique in many ways, and the organizational culture within these facilities can significantly impact the quality of care provided to elderly residents. The care of elderly residents is highly dependent on the attitudes and behaviours of the care providers, who are often required to work under stressful and demanding conditions. The organizational culture of home care services must reflect respect for elderly people. This means creating an atmosphere where clients feel respected as individuals who should be treated with dignity and compassion. A positive organizational culture can help to support care providers and improve the quality of care provided to residents. In contrast, a negative culture can lead to burnout, turnover, and lower-quality care.
Research findings
Recent research has highlighted the importance of organizational culture in residential aged-care facilities. One study by the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency found that a positive organizational culture was strongly associated with high-quality care provision and a negative culture was associated with lower-quality care. Another study in the United States found that a supportive organizational culture was linked to lower turnover rates and higher job satisfaction among care providers.
The research findings suggest that improving the organizational culture within home care services can have a significant impact on the quality of care provided to residents. This may involve addressing issues such as communication practices, leadership style, and employee relations and promoting a culture of teamwork, respect, and collaboration among care providers.
Challenges to achieving positive culture
One challenge is the presence of competing priorities within an organization, such as those between management and staff. The goals and objectives of leaders may not always align with the needs of employees. This can create tension, strain relationships, and impede progress towards creating a positive culture. Many residential aged care facilities are understaffed and lack resources, which can slow the implementation process for initiatives that promote a positive culture. These challenges must be addressed for managers and employees to work together effectively in establishing a productive environment with a strong sense of team spirit.
Conclusion
Organizational culture in residential aged care facilities has proven to be an important factor in providing quality care. Studies have revealed that a positive organizational culture is linked to improved outcomes, increased morale, and more satisfied staff and residents. The sector must develop and implement strategies to foster strong cultures to ensure high-quality residential care for the elderly. These strategies must include support for proper resources, training, and facilities and collaboration with all stakeholders to provide the best possible outcomes.