Positive Organizational Cultures

BACKGROUND: 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.

You are required to use the WORD document template attached below. Insert your responses in the WORD document template. Select the three dots below to download. It is required that you use this document. A 10% deduction will be applied if the template is not used.

Assignment Directions
Respond to the following prompts within the assessment template attached below. All responses for each prompt should be thorough and at least a good size paragraph. A paragraph usually contains 7 to 10 sentences.

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.

Full Answer Section

    For example: I have chosen the Mayo Clinic as my case study because of its strong emphasis on patient-centered care, collaboration, and continuous learning. These values directly align with my own desire to provide excellent care, work effectively within a team, and stay up-to-date on the latest medical advancements. Prompt 2: Explain the importance of communication to good culture.
  • Explain how clear and open communication fosters trust, transparency, and a sense of belonging among employees.
  • Discuss how effective communication helps reduce misunderstandings, improve collaboration, and resolve conflicts constructively.
  • Mention how good communication empowers employees and fosters a sense of ownership within the organization.
For instance: Communication is the backbone of any positive organizational culture. When information flows freely and openly, employees feel valued, trusted, and informed. This transparency fosters a sense of belonging and reduces confusion or frustration. Effective communication also allows teams to collaborate efficiently, share ideas openly, and address any issues constructively. When employees feel empowered to communicate freely, they are more likely to take ownership of their work and contribute their best efforts. Prompt 3: Provide an example of the company’s effective communication methods.
  • Research the specific communication methods the chosen company uses. This could include:
    • Regular town hall meetings or company-wide updates.
    • Open-door policies and accessibility of leadership.
    • Internal communication platforms for news, updates, and discussions.
    • Employee recognition programs and feedback mechanisms.
  • Explain how these methods contribute to a positive and healthy work environment.
For example: The Mayo Clinic is known for its commitment to transparent communication. They hold regular town hall meetings where leadership shares updates, answer questions, and address employee concerns. Additionally, they have an open-door policy, allowing employees to speak directly with supervisors or leadership. The Mayo Clinic also utilizes an internal communication platform called "Mayo Clinic Connected" which keeps employees informed about company news, events, and best practices. This platform also facilitates discussions and knowledge sharing among various departments. Prompt 4: Describe some possible ineffective communication methods and how a company could resolve them.
  • Discuss ineffective communication methods like unclear messages, lack of transparency, one-way communication channels, and micromanagement.
  • Explain how these methods can lead to confusion, frustration, and disengagement among employees.
  • Suggest solutions for each ineffective method.
For example: Ineffective communication methods can significantly hinder a positive work environment. Unclear or ambiguous messages can lead to misunderstandings and wasted time. Similarly, a lack of transparency can breed distrust and suspicion. Companies that rely solely on top-down communication channels often miss valuable employee input and ideas. Micromanagement stifles creativity and initiative. To address these problems, companies should prioritize clear and concise communication. Leaders should be transparent and share relevant information openly. Implementing two-way communication channels, like surveys or suggestion boxes, allows employees to express concerns and ideas. Finally, empowering employees and fostering a culture of trust reduces the need for micromanagement. By replacing the examples above with details specific to your chosen company, you can complete the case study template effectively. Remember to use your own words and avoid plagiarism.    

Sample Answer

   

Prompt 1: Describe the company you chose and how the company aligns with your personal values.

  • Company: Choose a healthcare organization known for its positive culture, such as the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, or Kaiser Permanente. Research their mission, values, and employee reviews to understand their work environment.
  • Personal Values: Identify your core values that are important in a workplace (e.g., teamwork, innovation, work-life balance, patient care). Explain how the chosen company's culture aligns with your values.