project3

Culture 4

Summary

Organizational culture is a system of shared values that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization and influence the behavior of employees. Four definitive characteristics make up culture in an organization. They are Power, achievement and innovation, bureaucracy and support (Cartwright and Cooper, 1993). Climate is the conditions that are within the organization as viewed by the employees. Ethical decisions and practices are the choices among alternatives that are made in a consistent manner and according to ethical principles in an organization.

Ethical culture is a powerful element for those in leadership to communicate the organizational values to the organization stakeholders. All members will follow those who come up with and implement an ethical culture in an organization. Decisions made without cultural awareness may be disastrous as they may lead to unexpected consequences (Schein, 1999). Ethical culture influences proper decision making within an organization. Organizational climate profoundly impacts the performance of employees depending on how they feel working for the organization. If an employee feels uncomfortable within the climate that is created by the organizational culture, then the employee is unlikely to be productive. However, if the employee believes the organizational climate is right for him, then he will be most likely motivated to give his best for the organization. Ethical decisions and practices affect the decision making within an organization. If the decisions create a satisfactory climate for the employees, then they are likely to perform well.

MedStar Washington Hospital Center has set high standards for healthcare. It often surpasses its standards year after year. Its culture is service-oriented and patient-centered care. To always improve the services it offers to its patients. MedStar Washington Hospital Center is focused on improving the health of people in Washington and beyond by managing chronic illness. The atmosphere is great. The climate created by their culture of being patient-centered ensures that the employees give their best while treating the patients and this creates a positive climate.

In MedStar Washington Hospital Center the ethical decisions and practices made are according to the culture and history of the organization. However, they must be within the ethical principles. The ethical decisions and practices made must first focus on the welfare of the patients keeping in mind to put the interest of the patients first in decision-making just as the culture of the organization.

The culture identified in our organization ensures that the hospital employees strive to improve every single time that is why it has bettered its services year after year. It also creates a competitive and innovative climate that motivates the employees and all other hospital stakeholders to do their best. MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a non-profit making organization. Therefore, we follow our culture and do not compete with other rival organizations. At MedStar Washington Hospital Center, we are identified on how we strive to better the services rendered to our patients. We endeavor to give better services compared to other medical centers, and that is why we are ranked among the best hospitals in Washington.

The COO should ensure that whenever there are new employees admitted to the organization, they should undergo rigorous training of the culture of the organization to be part of the organization, its culture, and history. The COO should also ensure that there are regular workshops to promote the culture of the organization within its members and the society. The COO should also ensure that past ethical decision that is made in the organization are documented for future reference by the management while making ethical decisions and practices. The COO should also ensure that there are rewards to those who uphold and promote the culture of the organization ensuring that employees perform maximally.

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