DESIGNING ORGANIZATIONS 17:Service-Line Structures More common in health care organizations today are service-line structures
Service-Line Structures More common in health care organizations today are service-line structures (Nugent et al., 2008). Service-line structures also are called product-line or service-integrated structures. In a service-line structure, clinical services are organized around patients with specific conditions (Figure 2-3).
Integrated structures are preferred in large and complex organizations because the same ac- tivity (for example, hiring) is assigned to several self-contained units, which can respond rapidly to the unit’s immediate needs. This is appropriate when environmental uncertainty is high and the organization requires frequent adaptation and innovation.
One of the strengths of the service-line structure is its potential for rapid change in a chang- ing environment. Because each division is specialized and its outputs can be tailored to the situa- tion, client satisfaction is high. Coordination across function (nursing, dietary, pharmacy, and so on) occurs easily; work partners identify with their own service and can compromise or collabo- rate with other service functions to meet service goals and reduce conflict. Service goals receive priority under this organizational structure because employees see the service outcomes as the primary purpose of their organization.
The major weaknesses of service-integrated structures include possible duplication of resources (such as ads for new positions) and lack of in-depth technical training and specialization. Coordination across service categories (oncology, cardiology, and the burn unit, for example) is difficult; services operate independently and often compete. Each service category, which is independent and autono- mous, has separate and often duplicate staff and competes with other service areas for resources. In addition, some service lines (e. g., pediatrics, obstetrics, bariatric surgery, and transplant centers) pres- ent special challenges due to low usage or the need for specialized personnel (Page, 2010).
Service-line structures are the most common structures found in Magnet-certified organiza- tions (Kaplow & Reed, 2008). Such structures, however, present a challenge to nursing adminis- trators and managers to maintain nursing standards across service lines (Hill, 2009). Armstrong, Laschinger, and Wong (2009) found improved patient safety in Magnet hospitals was related to nurses’ perception of empowerment. This can be explained, possibly, by Magnet standards that encourage staff participation in decision making.
Shared Governance Shared governance is a process for empowering nurses in the practice setting. It is based on a philosophy that nursing practice is best determined by nurses. Participative decision making is the hallmark of shared governance and a standard for Magnet certification. Interdependence and
Nursing Dietary
Oncology
CEO
Pharmacy Storeroom
Nursing Dietary Pharmacy Storeroom
Cardiology
Nursing Dietary
Burn unit
Pharmacy Storeroom
Figure 2-3 • Service line structure.
(Nugent et al., 2008). Service-line structures also are called product-line or service-integrated structures. In a service-line structure, clinical services are organized around patients with specific conditions (Figure 2-3).
Integrated structures are preferred in large and complex organizations because the same ac- tivity (for example, hiring) is assigned to several self-contained units, which can respond rapidly to the unit’s immediate needs. This is appropriate when environmental uncertainty is high and the organization requires frequent adaptation and innovation.
One of the strengths of the service-line structure is its potential for rapid change in a chang- ing environment. Because each division is specialized and its outputs can be tailored to the situa- tion, client satisfaction is high. Coordination across function (nursing, dietary, pharmacy, and so on) occurs easily; work partners identify with their own service and can compromise or collabo- rate with other service functions to meet service goals and reduce conflict. Service goals receive priority under this organizational structure because employees see the service outcomes as the primary purpose of their organization.
The major weaknesses of service-integrated structures include possible duplication of resources (such as ads for new positions) and lack of in-depth technical training and specialization. Coordination across service categories (oncology, cardiology, and the burn unit, for example) is difficult; services operate independently and often compete. Each service category, which is independent and autono- mous, has separate and often duplicate staff and competes with other service areas for resources. In addition, some service lines (e. g., pediatrics, obstetrics, bariatric surgery, and transplant centers) pres- ent special challenges due to low usage or the need for specialized personnel (Page, 2010).
Service-line structures are the most common structures found in Magnet-certified organiza- tions (Kaplow & Reed, 2008). Such structures, however, present a challenge to nursing adminis- trators and managers to maintain nursing standards across service lines (Hill, 2009). Armstrong, Laschinger, and Wong (2009) found improved patient safety in Magnet hospitals was related to nurses’ perception of empowerment. This can be explained, possibly, by Magnet standards that encourage staff participation in decision making.
Shared Governance Shared governance is a process for empowering nurses in the practice setting. It is based on a philosophy that nursing practice is best determined by nurses. Participative decision making is the hallmark of shared governance and a standard for Magnet certification. Interdependence and
Nursing Dietary
Oncology
CEO
Pharmacy Storeroom
Nursing Dietary Pharmacy Storeroom
Cardiology
Nursing Dietary
Burn unit
Pharmacy Storeroom
Figure 2-3 • Service line structure.