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    The Work-Around Culture: Unintended Consequences of Organizational Heroes
    05 Nov 2010Research & Ideas

    The Work-Around Culture: Unintended Consequences of Organizational Heroes

    by Anita Tucker
    Professor Anita Tucker shares findings from her research on the problems caused by "work-around cultures" in hospitals. Key concepts include:
    • Work-around cultures are pervasive in health care.
    • Frequent work-arounds can be costly and impair organizational effectiveness.
    • There are benefits to work-arounds which can be compelling on the individual level.
    • Organizational policies and managerial behavior create a culture for work-arounds or systemic problem solving.
    • The solution to work-arounds is an improvement-oriented culture.
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    "Work-around cultures" are pervasive in health care. Employees tend to work around obstacles, often feeling like a hero in the process, without solving the underlying problems.

    The reasons for these cultures are manifold, but they are costly in financial and human terms. The solution is an improvement-oriented culture built on manager responsiveness and problem-solving efficacy.

    Read Executive Summary

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