Institutions and their changing environments: structures and processes for adaptation (Part 1)

Institutions are an accompanying phenomenon of modern industrial society. Either because they are still a preferred mode of treatment or because society is reluctant to do away with them they are to remain with us. Unless those responsible for them learn to play in the public area they are destined to be buffeted about by external pressures, to the detriment of clientele, staff, and community. The paper attempts to answer the question asked by many executives of institutions: how better to understand environmental forces and how to adapt effectively with minimum strain to the organization. The focus of the paper is on structures and processes which institutions should use in their efforts to adapt to their dynamic environment. Using appropriate structures and strategies should help to avoid regression and stagnation tendencies and will continuously infuse new ideas into the institution. This will revitalize the institution, allow for improved care, raise morale and esteem of staff, and finally, better serve the community.