Industry Culture and Subcultures
Bobby Reed

The industry culture of a hospital is diverse and multifaceted. There are many jobs and activities that go on behind the scenes to make a hospital run effectively and efficiently. From maintenance workers and food service personnel to the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer, a hospital’s dedication to quality and care to its patients will define its longevity and success.
The culture in most hospitals is hierarchical. Hierarchical cultures are highly organized and structured. Items are primarily ranked upon the level or levels of importance (Wigmore, 2014). Each department has a specific function or responsibility. Within each department are a set of subcultures that employees tend to follow or adhere to.
Hospitality services, which includes cafeteria personnel are primarily identified by their uniforms. Patient liaisons and janitorial services also fall within this culture. Their goal is to make the patient feel comfortable in any way that they can. Because they deal directly with patients, giving service with a smile is the main priority. In addition to this, I have noticed that their environment is more laid back than others.
Unlike many of the other departments that wear uniforms, doctors, nurses, and other patient facing departments tend to have a subculture that is not as laid back. Because of the nature of their jobs, which can potentially mean life and death for the patients, and also being in contact with illnesses and potentially dangerous environments, they take their duties even more seriously. While a fun environment is recommended, they are held to very strict code of conduct and detail procedures to be followed. They are professionals under serious circumstances.
Similar to doctors and nurses, the culture of the finance department is also very professional. However, employees are not required to wear uniforms. They are required to dress in business attire. While their departments don’t deal with life and death situations, the financial health of the organization is analyzed, recorded and reported through this department. As a legal entity, it is the finance department that make sure the organization is in compliance with state and federal regulations. Therefore, duties are taken very seriously and often times the culture can be stressful. Within the finance departments are several subcultures. Managers and Supervisors are often seen in a suit and tie, while the staff is dressed in business casual attire. Some departments allow for Casual Fridays, where employees are allowed to wear jeans to work. Other departments may have a more firm approach to policies.
The culture of a hospital is not limited only to the way the employees dress to complete their daily tasks. Culture also involves the attitudes, behaviors, belief and work ethics of the employees. While we are one organization, under one main mission and vision, you will find a wide range of diversified cultures and varying degrees of philosophies.

References:

BUSINESS ATTIRE CHOICES. (2015). Retrieved from coaching-for-new-women-mWigmore, I. (2014, February). Hierarchical corporate culture. Retrieved from Whatis.com: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/hierarchical-corporate-culture