Developing an organizational change facilitating agency’s approach to system-wide development in health and social care

• PurposeThe important role of change agents as facilitators of organizational development processes is well recognized. Change interventions can address several levels: individuals, group/units or organizational systems. To facilitate system wide changes in complex health and social service organizations multiple facilitation approaches are needed. The purpose of this study was to examine an organizational change facilitating agency (OCFA) acquiring a new system wide facilitation approach.Design/MethodologyThe case study focuses on a regional support unit in Swedish health and social care, centered on care of the elderly and functionally impaired. Interviews, surveys, process diaries and observations of meetings provided data for qualitative content analyses.ResultsRespondents described a rocky journey and a learning loop providing insights on how to support development and learning for actors on multiple organizational levels. The OCFA learning process included meta levels of reflection and parallel work with organizational pilot cases. Respondents reported enhanced analytical and problem solving skills and the previously vague OCFA role was clarified and expanded. During the studied period the OCFA group clarified and enlarged their mission and organizational role in communication with stakeholders.LimitationsTo fully understand the potential of OCFA and system wide facilitation approaches further investigations are needed.Research/Practical ImplicationsOrganizational development requires adequate change process support. How to attain such support is less known. The provided description of a support function acquiring a system-wide facilitation approach can aid future development of the OCFA function.Originality/ValueThis study contributes to the knowledge on how to develop the approaches used by an OCFA to facilitate system-wide organizational development.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Tillförlitlighets- och kvalitetsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Reliability and Maintenance (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Kvalitetsteknik

Quality Technology and Management

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)