This particular problem also reflects certain issues with the organizational culture that existed at the institution, which in turn pointed to problems in the perceived value chain in operation due to the relationship that has been noted between the culture and value (Griffin & Moorehead 2009). Though value creation is often viewed in terms of competition, all value is ultimately derived from internal actions and efficiencies, and is eroded by inefficiencies; the cultural attitude that the soiled sheets were simply "not my problem" in the opinion of the aides created an inefficiency and so eroded value (Alkhafaji 2003). This attitude also ran directly counter to the policy of collective and individual responsibility.
The solution to this problem was very straightforward and simple following the identification of the primary problem (or weakness) of the strategy that had been implemented for dealing with the soiled bed sheets. Establishing accountability and restoring the presence of the authority and hierarchy that existed in the institution -- and thus reinforcing the cultural and policy principles of collective responsibility for the cleanliness of the institution -- created a new focus on the value chain provided by the organization, which exists to provide...
With this theory in mind, an accountability system was created whereby aides were instructed throughout the day to check on the soiled utility room and tasked with correcting any mistakes in strategy that had been made (i.e. To properly handle any bags of soiled bed sheets that had been left on the floor). After a short time, there was typically no extra work that needed to be done as aides had resumed properly dealing with soiled bed sheets as strategy directed.
The initial strategy failed because there was no accountability for behavior (Griffin & Moorehead 2009). This created a disruption of the value that nursing homes are supposed to provide -- a healthy and safe environment for those that are unable to fully take care of themselves (Allen 2008). By simply introducing some strategic management techniques that led to greater oversight and accountability, this issue was resolved (Alkhafaji 2003).
References
Alkhafaji, a. (2003). Strategic management. Binghamton, NY: Haworth.
Allen, J. (2008). Nursing home administration. New York: Springer.
Griffin, R. & Moorehead,…
