ATD Talent Development and Training in Healthcare Handbook

CHAPTER 10

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

MICHAEL LEE STALLARD AND KATHARINE P. STALLARD

The culture in a healthcare setting has a profound impact on every individual who works in the organization, be it positive or negative. And the way individuals work together influences the patient and caregiver experience. A healthy culture in which individuals are thriving, and therefore the organization is as well, has ripple effects. An unhealthy or relationally toxic culture also has ripple effects that extend beyond employees, such as medical errors, mediocre care, or low patient satisfaction scores. These are all bad for morale and the bottom line, not to mention the emotional and physical health of patients. We know the impact culture can have firsthand. ...