Changing organisational culture: another role for self-advocacy?

Abstract

Purpose

Improvements in organisational culture are a common recommendation of enquiries into system failure and an aspiration of policy. The purpose of this paper is to explore an initiative to change culture in a low-secure service through the introduction of a self-advocacy group.

Design/methodology/approach

An independent evaluation was carried out by a university research team. A theory-based methodology was deployed with qualitative data gathered through observations, interviews and focus groups.

Findings

Culture change was reported by senior managers and clinicians in relation to the transparency of the service, decision making regarding resources, and engagement of patients in redesign. Self-advocacy group members reported a different relationship with senior management which in turn enabled greater influence in the organisation. Achieving these impacts relied on independent and skilled external facilitation, support from senior managers, and a calm and democratic atmosphere in the meetings. Ward staff were kept at an arms-length from the group and were less certain that it had made any difference to the way in which the ward operated.

Research limitations/implications

The research was only based in one organisation and the impacts of the initiative may vary with a different local context. Research in a wider sample of organisations and culture change initiatives will provide greater insights.

Practical implications

Self-advocacy groups can lead to organisation culture change alongside benefits for individual group members but require funding, external and independent facilitation, and organisational endorsement and support.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited literature regarding culture change in secure services and services for people with a learning disability in general and also to the understanding of the impact of self-advocacy groups.

Citation

Miller, R. (2015), "Changing organisational culture: another role for self-advocacy?", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 69-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-08-2014-0026