Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2009
Abstract
The long-term care sector is challenged with retention issues that impact the quality of elder care. Annual turnover rates in excess of 50% at some staff levels combined with a growing senior population illuminates an issue where worker supply may not meet demand. Despite empirical evidence that staffing is a critical factor in the provision of high quality care and that facilities with higher staff to resident ratios have better quality ratings and more positive resident outcomes, twenty years of research underscores a persistent retention dilemma. Previous research has substantiated a correlation between retention and the work environment and called for long-term care leaders to promote positive organizational climates. We propose qualitative research to generate a grounded theory about how upper echelon managers in the long-term care industry and their subordinates influence the organizational climate in which they operate. In particular we wonder about the effect of manager and staff competencies on climate. The research responds to an urgent call to address a looming social problem. Our data may help industry practitioners to design systems and processes that positively impact long-term care facility staff satisfaction, performance and tenure.
Keywords
older people -- long-term care, competencies, leadership, long-term care sector, nursing homes, organizational climate, retention
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Obermiller, Alice A., "Leader and Employee Influence on the Development of Organizational Climate in the Long-Term Care Sector" (2009). Student Scholarship. 279.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/279