Decentralized Organizations and Communication

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Questions and Answers

How does a decentralized organizational structure promote decision making?

Assigns responsibility at the highest practical level

Allows problems to be solved at the level at which they occur (correct)

Limits communication to managers at various levels

Encourages decisions to be made by top-level hierarchy

What characteristic should a nurse-manager recognize about grapevine communication?

It consists of negative and subversive messages.

It is difficult to control or stop. (correct)

It always involves verbal, face-to-face communication.

Strong organizations have policies that prohibit it.

How can a nursing professional demonstrate advanced achievement of competencies?

Professional registered nursing licensure

Lateral transfer

Professional specialty certification (correct)

Transfer to a new department

What is the nurse-manager's best initial action for launching a career coaching program?

Observe employees to see who would most benefit from coaching. Signup and view all the answers

What should be a key characteristic of a resume according to hiring practices?

It must present information in a concise and reliable manner. Signup and view all the answers

Why is grapevine communication often considered unreliable?

It can change rapidly and may not reflect truth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the aim of decentralized structures in management?

To allow local managers to handle issues directly. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a benefit of professional specialty certification for a nursing professional?

It provides a comprehensive overview of previous employment. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes motivation according to Maslow's hierarchy?

Unsatisfied needs trigger behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What factor is most likely to provide intrinsic motivation to an employee?

The employee's ambitious career aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

When does communication have the greatest likelihood of being accurately interpreted?

More than one mode is used. Signup and view all the answers

What does the external climate of communication include?

Factors like weather, timing, and authority. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines organizational culture?

The unique social and psychological environment of an organization. Signup and view all the answers

How is organizational climate mainly determined?

By employee perceptions of the organization. Signup and view all the answers

Why is using multiple modes of communication beneficial?

It reduces misunderstandings significantly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of intrinsic motivation?

Driven by personal interest and goals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of mentorship in nursing?

Mentors voluntarily choose to take on the mentorship role Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to team nursing effectiveness?

Frequent communication between team members Signup and view all the answers

When a new RN transitions into practice, what should they be most aware of?

The real-world nursing environment differs from textbook examples Signup and view all the answers

In the context of case management, which factor should the nurse prioritize?

Assessing each client's specific needs individually Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of effective team nursing?

Inclusion of clients as formal team members Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended strategy for the new RN's career development?

Find a mentor on the floor Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mentorship may create misconceptions among new RNs?

The voluntary nature of mentorship relationships Signup and view all the answers

How should a case manager approach care planning?

By personalizing care to meet each client's requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is the best course of action to stimulate broad participation of employees in quality control efforts?

Engage closely with the frontline staff who provide client care. Signup and view all the answers

What role has the Joint Commission assumed in ensuring quality at the organizational level?

Standardizing clinical outcome data collection Signup and view all the answers

What type of audit determines the outcomes from specific nursing interventions for clients?

Outcome Signup and view all the answers

What is benchmarking in the context of organizational performance?

Comparing organizational performance with that of the best performing institute Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions would NOT be part of broad employee participation in quality control?

Directing all quality control initiatives from upper management without staff input Signup and view all the answers

Which of these outcomes can be determined through effective outcome audits?

Long-term clinical outcomes of treatments Signup and view all the answers

How does the Joint Commission influence quality care at the organizational level?

By standardizing performance measurement systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a process audit?

To analyze employee adherence to established protocols Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the action of allowing team members autonomy while being available for support?

Effective delegation Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse-manager prioritize when supporting the delegation of a task?

Occasionally providing learning opportunities for employees Signup and view all the answers

What action should a manager take when a subordinate struggles with a delegated task?

Be available as a role model and resource Signup and view all the answers

What is the most crucial consideration when choosing a person to delegate a task?

The individual's qualifications for the task Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies downward communication by a nurse-manager?

Instructing the team on new policies directly Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential action for a manager to take when starting to delegate tasks?

Ask the subordinate if they feel the task is manageable Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices can help prevent micromanagement during delegation?

Setting clear expectations and boundaries for the delegated task Signup and view all the answers

How should a nurse-manager handle poor performance of a delegated task?

Provide constructive feedback and support Signup and view all the answers

How does an assertive communicator ensure respect for others during communication?

By expressing thoughts directly and honestly while considering others' rights Signup and view all the answers

What does the employee's signature on a performance appraisal signify?

The employee has read the appraisal information and met with the manager. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes self-appraisals?

They encourage employees to evaluate their own performance thoughtfully. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping ongoing notes on each employee's performance?

To create a comprehensive record that helps avoid the recency effect Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of assertive communication?

It encompasses both the rights and responsibilities of all those involved. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about assertive communication?

It is synonymous with being aggressive or confrontational. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best method for a manager to ensure fairness in performance appraisals?

Utilize a combination of ongoing performance notes and employee self-appraisals. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines the communication style of a nurse-manager known for assertiveness?

Clear and direct communication while valuing others' rights Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decentralized Organizational Structures

Allow decisions to be made at the lowest practical level where the problem arises.
Decisions can be made at the level where the problem occurs.

Decision Making in Decentralized Organizations

Problems are solved at the level they occur.
Top-level hierarchy is not the primary decision-maker.
Communication is not limited to managers at various levels.
Responsibility is assigned at different practical levels.

Grapevine Communication

Difficult to control or stop.
Not a reliable source but occurs frequently.
May include rumors or hearsay that are not always accurate.

Characteristics of Grapevine Communication

Difficult to control.
Can involve verbal or face-to-face communication.
Not limited to a small group of people.

Professional Specialty Certification

Demonstrates achievement of competencies.
Helps gain a new job.
Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills.
Validates nursing expertise.

Nursing Professional Competency Verification

Option methods for demonstrating advancement levels in competency:
- Lateral transfer
- Professional specialty certifications
- Transfer to a new department
- Professional registered nursing licensure.

Career Coaching

The first step is observing employees to determine who would benefit most.
Observe employees and gather data.
Employees who hit the ground running quickly.
Employees having some hesitation to come to work.
Some employees might be confused, and some are ready to take on new challenges.

Resume Construction

Concise and easy to read are key considerations for a nurse's resume.
Focus on key strengths that are relevant to the job opening.
Do not focus on weak points.
Should not be overly complicated.

Career Development Stages

Promise phase (first 10 years): gaining exposure to various experiences.
Learning phase: gaining work experience and knowledge.

Manager Socialization of New Nurses

Sharing organizational values
Providing organizational rules
Ensuring good role models exist
Using a preceptor.

Nurse Manager Action for Newly Grad Nurses

Helping newly graduated nurses adjust to their professional role
Advising new nurses that the "real world" of nursing is fundamentally different from what's in textbooks.
Recognizing and addressing the signs and symptoms of the "shock phase"
Recognizing old habits from nursing school.

Mentorship

Voluntary role chosen by the mentor
Not mandatory, and relationship lasts for several years.
Relationship that provides direction and support to a new nurse.

Team Nursing Approach

Frequent communication is essential between team members.
UAP/Practical nurses may increase knowledge through education.
Client and family input is vital.

Case Management Plans

Tailored to the individual patient's needs.
Should focus on individualized circumstances.

Implementing Delivery System Changes

Studying the best implementation method.
Explaining to families the implications of changes
Senior registered nurse can lead during implementation.
Nurses who have experience in the new delivery system can be hired.

Functional Nursing

Each nurse is assigned to a specific task to complete.
Example: administering medication to all patients on a given shift.

Employee Engagement

Employee participation in hospital fundraisers.

Job Satisfaction

Not all activities shown correlate to job satisfaction.

Job Satisfaction Levels

Usually higher for subordinates than management staff.
Correlation to the degree of work-life control.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

People are motivated to satisfy needs from basic survival to complex psychological needs.
Unsatisfied lower-level needs trigger behaviors to address those needs.

Intrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivations include career aspirations.

Communication Types

Best type of communication is a combination of diverse methods.
Using varied forms of communication increases the chance the message will be received/seen/understood.

Employee Performance Appraisal

Use of ongoing notes
Including good intentions and actual performance when assessing.
Based on clear standards.
Observations for the past two weeks may not be as useful in assessing overall performance and should be avoided.

Manager and Employee communication

The manager should correctly provide appraisals to the employee..

Self-Appraisals

Encourages reflection.
Improves transparency and honest assessment from the employee.
Helps create concrete goals.

Improving Performance Appraisal Accuracy

Using written anecdotal notes helps provide more accurate reviews.
The notes should be consistent throughout the evaluation period.

Annual Performance Appraisals

Basing appraisals on clear standards, and considering good intentions.
Avoiding subjective bias and personal opinions.

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Description

Explore the key concepts surrounding decentralized organizational structures, decision-making processes, and the implications of grapevine communication. This quiz will cover how decisions are made at practical levels and the role of informal communication in organizations. Assess your understanding of professional certification in relation to these themes.