Change Management Nhs

introduction

The main intention of this assignment is to critically analyse and evaluate a significant change in clinical practice. Leadership and management will be examined to provide a foundation in understanding the organisational change alongside organisational culture and organisational learning. The majority of the assignment will focus on Change Management theories, etc.....

New reforms proposed by the conservative government require a successful and meaningful process of effective change management. In a modern NHS the merge of clinical and non-clinical staff is essential. Financial and clinical staff have a duty to co-operate and share their expertise. Especially in todays current economic climate when the NHS is expected to increase standards of practice with a decrease in finances.

How important it is leaders/managers get along with front line staff??

Main body

Leadership and management

There is a close relationship between leadership and management. Management is often seen as the day- to-day running of an organisation and leadership may be seen as a more influential role. A notable example is Tappen et al (2001) who proposes management is a formal designated position within an organisation, an individual who has the authority to perform a role. Whereas leadership is an unofficially achieved position that can be assumed by more than one person at any one time. Although both have quite different meanings they play an important part in the delivery of health care. The 7s framework looks at management and leadership and their unique distinction. It recognises that managers rely on strategy, structures and systems. Leaders look at style, skills, shared values and staff in their search of excellence. (Peters & Waterman 2004) The framework has widely been used within the NHS to produce positive changes and provide a holistic approach to organisational development.

Nurse leaders should have the ability to empower themselves and others to achieve organisational goals. The benefits of leadership were further recognised by the Department of Health (2008) they recognised that change lead by clinicians energises NHS staff suggesting it should come from the front line. Stanton et al (2010) explain clinical leadership as individuals who are both confident and capable of continually improving health care on a small and large scale. Theories of leadership include the trait approach, behavioural approach, contingency approach and transactional and transformational theories.

Organisational culture

Organisational culture is at the fore front of health care. High performing organisations approach leadership with practices that include having employees