Because organizational theories describe how organizations function, which of the theories you studied this week best describes your current work place?

From the choices present, I would classify my hospital operating under the systems theory. The systems theory is viewing productivity as a function of the whole, each person or division having to do with the success or failure with the system (Sullivan & Decker, 2009). The systems theory essentially is like rebuilding a car. It breaks things down and then figures out how all of the departments and pieces fit back together in that system. Input and output as well as feedback are all necessary for this type of organizational theory. The hospital is the main system with each department being the different pieces. Each portion of the puzzle needs the other in order for it to run smoothly and be a productive organization. The hospital I work for just became a level 3 trauma center. I work up on the med-surg floor so I am not down in the heat of the moment but we all feel the effects of when a trauma is called. This is a perfect example of a systems theory. When a trauma is called the emergency room staff obviously is there to meet the patient, however, there are many more departments that are needed. A lab tech goes to the ER and takes the necessary blood work that the physician orders. In the radiology departments the radiologists themselves stop reading whatever film they are working on and wait for the trauma films to arrive. This process means that everyone that is waiting for results is going to wait that much longer in order to take care of this critical patient. Without all of these departments working together and knowing just exactly what to do a patient’s life is in danger. There are many changes within the healthcare field, current management theories and practices may fail to deal with the complexity of issues ranging from regulatory compliance to financial influences (Suddaby, Hardy, & Huy, 2011). If everyone in the healthcare team works together the best possible outcome for everyone involved can be achieved.

Suddaby, R., Hardy, C., & Huy, Q. (2011). Where are the new theories of organization?.

Academy Of Management Review, 36(2), 236-246. doi:10.5465/AMR.2011.59330875

Sullivan, E. J. (2013). Effective leadership and management in nursing (8th ed.). Boston, MA:

Pearson/Prentice Hall