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Anatomy of commitment: an in vivo study.
M F Olney1, P Fratangelo, S Lehr
1Department of Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61821, USA. olney@uiuc.edu
Mental Retardation
|July 20, 2000
Summary
This study explores a small agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, highlighting staff commitment and flexible operations. It reveals how a dynamic, responsive organizational culture fosters better support and honors individual choices.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Organizational Psychology
- Social Work Practice
Background:
- Supported living and community services are crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Innovative approaches are needed to enhance the quality of care and support.
- Organizational culture significantly impacts service delivery and staff commitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a self-evaluation of a small, innovative agency providing community supports.
- To identify key elements fostering a culture of commitment among direct support and supervisory staff.
- To explore the flexible and dynamic operational patterns of the agency.
Main Methods:
- Self-evaluation of an agency's operations and culture.
- Description of key elements contributing to staff commitment.
- Qualitative observation of organizational dynamism and flexibility.
Main Results:
- Staff demonstrate a capacity to listen, respond to, and honor the choices of individuals.
- Staff exhibit initiative, work beyond assigned hours, and provide mutual support to ensure needs are met.
- The agency operates with flexibility, deviating from rigid policies and procedures.
Conclusions:
- A culture of commitment among staff is perpetuated by specific organizational practices.
- Flexible and reflexive organizational structures can enhance the responsiveness of support services.
- The agency's dynamic nature is comparable to a living organism, adapting to meet individual needs.