Managing the Business

The Work-Around Culture: Unintended Consequences of Organizational Heroes

Professor Anita Tucker shares findings from her research on the problems caused by "work-around cultures" in hospitals.

"Work-around cultures" are pervasive in health care. Employees tend to work around obstacles, often feeling like a hero in the process, without solving the underlying problems.

The reasons for these cultures are manifold, but they are costly in financial and human terms. The solution is an improvement-oriented culture built on manager responsiveness and problem-solving efficacy.

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