As you prepare to enter the health care industry as a health care professional, you will be responsible for influencing the organizational culture for your team.
Preparing for the Assignment
Research a company that is known to have a good organizational culture (e.g., Google, Zappos, Southwest Airlines, Publix, Mayo Clinic). Choose a company to complete a case study. You are welcome to choose a health care organization or one you find in your research.
Assignment Directions
Respond to the following prompts in at least 50 words each:
Describe the company you chose and how the company aligns with your personal values.
Explain the importance of communication to good culture.
Provide an example of the company’s effective communication methods.
Describe some possible ineffective communication methods and how a company could resolve them.
Add the references you have used to complete this assessment here (consider this your references page). Please format according to APA guidelines (this response has no specific word count).
Full Answer Section
Effective Communication Methods: The Mayo Clinic uses a variety of effective communication methods, including:
- Regular meetings: The Mayo Clinic holds regular meetings for all employees, including town hall meetings, department meetings, and team meetings. These meetings provide opportunities for employees to share information, ask questions, and give feedback.
- Open door policy: The Mayo Clinic has an open door policy, which means that employees are encouraged to talk to their managers or other leaders if they have any concerns.
- Employee engagement surveys: The Mayo Clinic conducts regular employee engagement surveys to get feedback from employees about their work environment and satisfaction with the organization.
- Communication technology: The Mayo Clinic uses a variety of communication technology, such as email, video conferencing, and social media, to keep employees connected.
Ineffective Communication Methods: Some ineffective communication methods include:
- One-way communication: When communication is one-way, it means that information is only flowing in one direction. This can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of trust.
- Gossip: Gossip is when information is shared in a negative or harmful way. It can damage relationships and create a toxic work environment.
- Micromanaging: Micromanaging is when a manager closely monitors and controls the work of their employees. This can stifle creativity and innovation and lead to employee dissatisfaction.
How a Company Can Improve Its Communication: There are a number of ways that a company can improve its communication. These include:
- Creating a culture of openness and transparency: Employees need to feel comfortable sharing information and asking questions.
- Encouraging feedback: Employees should be encouraged to give feedback, both positive and negative.
- Providing training on communication skills: Employees should be trained on how to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Using technology effectively: Technology can be a great way to improve communication, but it is important to use it wisely.
By following these tips, companies can create a strong communication culture that supports a positive and productive work environment.
Sample Answer
Company: The Mayo Clinic
Personal Values: I chose the Mayo Clinic because I believe in their mission to "strive to prevent illness and injury, to restore health and extend life, and to alleviate suffering through patient-centered care." I also value their commitment to teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Importance of Communication to Good Culture: Communication is essential to any good organizational culture. It allows employees to share information, collaborate on projects, and resolve problems. It also helps to build trust and create a sense of community.