'n Bepaling van organisasieklimaat in blanke verplegingskolleges in Transvaal

Abstract

Nursing education is responsible for the establishment of a nursing corps which satisfies the needs of the profession and of society. Safe and effective nursing not only requires knowledge and competence on the part of the nurse, but also dedication, responsibility and accountability. The affective domain of nursing education, in particular, is a deciding factor in respect of the attitude of the nurse towards her profession and her task. In order to realise the objectives of nursing education, a climate must be created which is conducive to personal and professional growth of students as well as educational staff. This research originated as a result of problems which were identified in nursing education. The question was whether more knowledge and insight concerning the organisational climate can contribute to an effective solution to various problems that are encountered in nursing education today. Organisational climate refers to the circumstances in which individuals or groups function in an organisation, as experienced by members of the organisation and which influence their behaviour. Organisational climate is influenced especially by the philosophy, policy and behaviour of senior management. Although a considerable amount of research has been undertaken in respect of organisational climate in trade and industry as well as in education, very little research has been undertaken in regard to organisational climate in nursing and other medical professions. No investigation has been launched in the Republic of South Africa into the organisational climate in nursing colleges. The object of this study is to:

determine the organisational climate in nursing colleges and how it affects the educational staff; determine which factors play a role in the creation and maintenance of organisational climate in nursing colleges; in view of the findings, make certain recommendations for the promotion of organisational climate in nursing colleges. The object has been achieved by placing organisational climate in per spective by means of existing models in which the dimensions and determinants of organisational climate are set out. After studying organisational climate, the conclusion was reached that a favourable organisational climate can contribute largely towards the promotion of organisational efficiency and quality work-life of personnel. As a result of the in-depth influence which leaders / managers have on organisational climate, the leadership of the principal of a nursing college is discussed as it relates to various leadership styles and management approaches. Participative management and a contingency approach towards management are recommended in nursing education. Organisational development is defined as a method to improve future organisational efficiency, as well as the quality of the work-life of employees. The importance of effective communication, clear, acceptable objectives and strategies and personnel development, including leadership development, is discussed. An empirical investigation was undertaken among co-workers by means of the Organisation Diagnosis Questionnaire (Coetsee, 1987:81-86), as adapted by Mouton for the medical academic environment. A few adjustments have been made by the

researcher in order to make the questionnaire applicable to nursing colleges. The empirical investigation was limited to four traditionally white nursing colleges in the Transvaal. Academic personnel of the colleges were involved. In view of the findings of the research it appears that elements of autocratic leadership are still present in the bureaucratic milieu in which educational personnel function. The conclusion can be reached that the above-mentioned gave rise to the fact that participative management has not yet been fully implemented in nursing colleges, despite the renewal that took place in nursing education and the accompanying committee system. It appears that there is a need in nursing colleges for the promotion of: communication team building decision-making practice conflict and stress management personnel development motivation life-skills, such as interpersonal skills and self management In view of the findings, recommendations promotion of organisational climate in Further research on the establishment climate in nursing colleges as well as recommended. are made for the nursing colleges. of organisational services is also recommended.