Organizational Design Paper

Alisha N. Craig

HCS/514

June 24, 2013

Dr. V. Batiste, Ph.D., MBA

Abstract

ABC Homecare was established in 1989 in Washington, D.C.’s greater Metropolitan Area. Built with client satisfaction in mind, this agency has overcome many obstacles to keep its value strong even until present day. From only six clients at opening, to now over 200 in each of its four departments, ABC Homecare has grown significantly over the last decade. This success is a result of staying true to the same values that shaped the organization of the company from the beginning. These values are currently used today and it is the internal and external factors that have defined and shaped this organization in terms of size, organizational structure, and processes. Not only does client demand, cost, and quality of health care increase the need for care, but also for accountability. This paper will discuss the internal and external factors responsible for shaping ABC Homecare and the effects of accountability on the facility.

Organization Design Paper

ABC Homecare was established in 1989 in Washington, D.C.’s greater Metropolitan Area. Built with client satisfaction in mind, this agency has overcome many obstacles to keep its value strong even until present day. From only six clients at opening, to now over 200 in each of its four departments, ABC Homecare has grown significantly over the last decade. This success is a result of staying true to the same values that shaped the organization of the company from the beginning. These values are currently used today and it is the internal and external factors that have defined and shaped this organization in terms of size, organizational structure, and processes. Not only does client demand, cost, and quality of health care increase the need for care, but also for accountability. This paper will discuss the internal and external factors responsible for shaping ABC Homecare and the effects of accountability on the facility.
Factors Shaped by Size Size has played an important part in ABC Homecare’s organizational structure and has probably been the biggest adjustment over the years. Starting off as a small company, all decisions and tasks were made by the owner of the company. As client demand increased so did the company. Now considered a large business, ABC Homecare requires a stronger foundation for their organizational structure (Vitez, 2013). More clients to serve means more work to be done, more employees to be managed, and more managers hired to do so. As ABC homecare expanded, its structure is more intricate. Increased staff, especially in specialized businesses can necessitate a more formal organizational structure (Vitez, 2013). Additional staffs were needed and job duties were employee specific. Work duties became based on policies and rules. A system of hierarchy was developed to aid in the communication from management to employees (Liebler & McConnell, 2008).
Factor’s shaped by Organizational Structure Advanced technology, quality of care, and cutting costs are all factors that have shaped ABC Homecare’s organization structure over the years. As expansion happened and more employees were hired, the agency adopted new factors that needed to be addressed. In addition to supervising employees, managers were also dealing with the new advances in technology, increase in trainings for workers, and employee alienation (Liebler & McConnell, 2008). To keep up with technology ABC Homecare constantly researched new equipment and how it would benefit the agency to purchase it. If a product was purchased, classes were held to train employees how to safely use the equipment. Keeping employees up to date in trainings of the latest technological advances has benefitted ABC greatly. The increase of employee knowledge has kept the Agency in compliance at all times and eliminated many medical errors. Also unnecessary procedures and tests have been eliminated, which allows patients to only pay for services that they need. As a result the agency has been able to keep costs low for clients.
Factors shaped by Processes
“The many constraints on organizational processes, such as government regulation and economic factors, are typical inputs imposed by outside groups” (Liebler & McConnell, 2008 p 60). Since ABC Homecare can be classified as Long Term Care, most of our concerns were with the processes of clients as well as employees and their safety. Many of our clients require continuous care. In addition to treating their existing condition, employees must also keep patients from contracting any other ailments that may be passed from client to client. Following rules and regulations of legal and accrediting agency requirements is another important process for ABC Homecare. The majority of our patients use Medicare so it is imperative that the agency remains in compliance. These same agencies also make sure that all employees and practitioners have the licenses needed to provide care to clients. In addition to the legal requirements, federal and state laws established regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act to protect employee well-being (Liebler & McConnell, 2008).
Demand for Accountability Taking into consideration all of the factors of organizational structure and responsibilities that go along with them ensures accountability. Taking the time to remain in compliance with state and federal regulations, while focusing on improving quality of care, cutting costs, and keeping employees and clients satisfied are the major steps to maintaining accountability in an organization. These are some of the things that ABC Homecare thrives to keep successful. The demand for accountability has greatly impacted the behavior of ABC Homecare Agency. As time has changed, so has the company. When the demand grew, so did the agency. Classes were taught to keep everyone abreast on technological advances and new healthcare policies. ABC Homecare has taken the steps and grown with the healthcare industry to remain successful.
Conclusion
Although today’s health care is ever changing in ideals, values, and principles, ABC Homecare plans to remain in the forefront for Long Term Care. Its strong values and commitment to client satisfaction will be determinants for keeping the business successful. The agency will stand by those factors that have defined and shaped the organization into what it is today. Remaining accountable will contribute to this success.

References
Austin, G. (2010). Accountability generates improved care. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 27(2), 41-3. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/822775212?accountid=458 Liebler, J. G. & McConnell, C. R. (2008). Management principles for health professionals (5th ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Vitez, O. (2013, Month Day). Factors affecting Organizational Structure. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/factors-affecting-organizational-structure-2778.html