D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2017.
Specialization:  Business administration; Management; Health care management

Perceptions regarding the work environment in a respiratory care department
160 pages. UMI #: 10600879
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

Workplace negativity can have a profound effect on hospital operations, including patient care. This phenomenological study was designed to describe 8 employees’ perceptions of negativity in 3 northern great lakes region of the Midwest hospital respiratory care departments and the impact of negativity on employee morale, productivity, retention, and patient care. Research questions addressed participants’ perceptions of workplace events and the extent to which negativity has influenced their own and others’ behavior. The research addressed participants’ perceptions of their working environment, the factors that affect their work environment, and the role of leadership in influencing their work environment. Interviews were conducted via telephone. The findings showed evidence of negativity within the departments of all 3 participating hospitals at varying levels. The overall working environments at the hospitals were reported as positive, as were most interactions with leadership. However, the participants pointed out instances that had a negative impact on their working environment. In response, recommendations were suggested for leaders to undertake to become fully aware of the prospect of negativity within their departments and take needed proactive actions to deal address the negativity phenomenon. A major recommendation resulting from this study is for leadership to gain expertise in the soft skills of leadership communication. This expertise would not only benefit the leadership of respiratory care departments but benefit all departmental leaders throughout the hospital, as well as leaders in other types of organizations.

• Helen Bojarczyk, Ph.D., Chair
• Bernice Folz, Ph.D.
• Connie Harrisson, Ph.D.