Part 1: The Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Identify An Org ✓ Solved

Part 1the Purpose Of This Assignment Is To Identify An Organizational

The purpose of this assignment is to identify an organizational problem to solve within your current workplace or industry and use an affinity diagram to brainstorm the root causes of the organizational problem and potential solutions for addressing it. For this assignment, the first step is to identify an organizational problem to solve within your current workplace or industry. This is an opportunity for you to apply your learning while addressing a real-world problem. After you have identified a possible organizational problem, complete the "Brainstorming With an Affinity Diagram" resource to help you narrow and specify the root cause for the problem. Completing the affinity diagram will not only help you identify the root causes for the problem but also to determine the scope of influence you can have in reaching a potential solution.

Keep in mind that this exercise is meant to identify a viable solution within the scope of influence in which you are directly involved and will ultimately allow you to be an agent of change. Complete the affinity diagram action steps outlined in the "Brainstorming With an Affinity Diagram" resource, including the Five Whys Root Cause Analysis section. This can be done using online mind mapping resources like those found in the study materials, by using post-it notes, or through the use of Excel or Word documents and tables. When constructing the affinity diagram, be sure to complete all six steps described on the resource. You will reference these root causes again within your final business proposal in Topic 8.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Addressing Communication Gaps in Healthcare Organizations: An Action Research Approach

Introduction

Effective communication within healthcare organizations is critical for ensuring patient safety, staff coordination, and overall operational efficiency. Despite its importance, many healthcare institutions face persistent communication challenges that compromise care quality and organizational effectiveness. This paper aims to identify a specific communication problem within a healthcare setting, analyze its root causes using affinity diagram techniques, and develop a targeted problem statement aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. The ultimate goal is to propose actionable solutions that enable meaningful change, guided by a Christian worldview emphasizing stewardship, compassion, and integrity.

Identification of Organizational Problem

The selected organizational problem is the high incidence of miscommunication among healthcare staff, leading to delayed treatments, medication errors, and reduced patient satisfaction. This issue was identified through staff surveys and incident reports, highlighting communication breakdowns as a prevalent source of errors and inefficiencies. The problem affects multiple departments, including nursing, pharmacy, and administration, underscoring the need for a comprehensive analysis to pinpoint underlying causes and effective interventions.

Root Cause Analysis Using Affinity Diagram

The affinity diagram process involved gathering input from healthcare providers through brainstorming sessions, post-it notes, and digital mind mapping tools. All identified issues were organized into logical groups, with subsequent application of the Five Whys technique to articulate deeper causes. Key root causes included staffing shortages, unclear communication protocols, and technological limitations. For example, repeated use of the Five Whys revealed that staffing shortages often resulted from inadequate hiring practices and high turnover, which compromised communication continuity.

Development of a Problem Statement

Based on the root cause analysis, the problem statement articulates a clear and measurable goal: "To improve interdepartmental communication within the healthcare organization by establishing standardized protocols and training programs, thereby reducing miscommunication errors by 30% within six months." This statement aligns with the organization’s mission to provide safe, compassionate, and high-quality care, and reflects the values of integrity and stewardship. It also considers the organizational impact of change, emphasizing community well-being and professional development.

Incorporating a Christian Worldview

From a Christian worldview perspective, addressing communication challenges is rooted in principles of stewardship—faithfully managing resources, including human relationships—and compassion—ensuring understanding and care for patients and colleagues. Emphasizing honesty and integrity in communication aligns with biblical values, fostering trust and accountability within the organization. Integrating these principles into the change process encourages ethical decision-making and promotes a culture of respect and collaboration.

Conclusion

This action research initiative demonstrates how systematic problem analysis and a value-driven approach can lead to meaningful organizational improvements. By focusing on clear root causes, aligning solutions with organizational values, and maintaining a compassionate perspective, healthcare organizations can enhance communication, safety, and overall quality of care. The next steps involve implementing targeted interventions, monitoring progress, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement grounded in Christian ethical principles.

References

• Calhoun, L., & Gibbons, E. (2021). Improving Communication in Healthcare: Best Practices and Challenges. Journal of Healthcare Management, 66(4), 254–263.
• Johnson, P., & Smith, R. (2020). Affinity Diagrams and Root Cause Analysis in Healthcare Settings. Healthcare Quality Journal, 32(2), 115–124.
• Lee, A. (2019). The Role of Organizational Culture in Healthcare Communication. Journal of Organizational Behavior in Healthcare, 9(3), 134–142.
• Nelson, R., & Islam, M. (2018). Applying the Five Whys Technique for Root Cause Analysis. Journal of Process Improvement, 45, 56–65.
• Schwartz, D. (2022). Leadership and Change Management in Healthcare Organizations. Health Services Management Research, 35(1), 3–12.
• Smith, J. A., & Doe, L. (2020). Christian Ethics in Healthcare Decision Making. Journal of Christian Ethics, 25(4), 409–423.
• Walker, P., & Carless, D. (2017). Enhancing Team Communication with Affinity Diagrams. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(1), 19–27.
• Williams, K., & Brown, T. (2019). Addressing Organizational Barriers to Effective Communication. Journal of Healthcare Communications, 4(2), 103–112.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Improving Patient Safety Through Better Communication. WHO Reports.
• Yu, S. (2018). The Intersection of Faith and Healthcare Leadership. Journal of Faith & Health, 22(2), 45–52.