Organisational culture: the hidden operand in clinical laboratories
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN: 0952-6862
Article publication date: 11 February 2019
Issue publication date: 11 February 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present organisational cultural determinants that can influence total quality management (TQM) in clinical laboratories.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a viewpoint paper using evidence provided by a literature research about cultural patterns using Competing Values Framework to explain the relationship between organisational culture and TQM.
Findings
Cultural aspects likely to enhance creativity and innovation are considered as incentives in promoting cultural transformation. TQM in the average modern clinical laboratory requires a long overdue transformational change in values, culture and attitude.
Social implications
Valuing people, making up an organisation, is expected to enhance TQM.
Originality/value
This paper provokes a shift in thinking among traditional clinical laboratory managers and results in a win-win for both staff and total quality outcomes.
Keywords
Citation
Chang, W.L., Meyer, J. and Merien, F. (2019), "Organisational culture: the hidden operand in clinical laboratories", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 273-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-11-2017-0219
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited