Abstract

Background. Lithuanian and foreign researchers have carried out extensive studies of the impact of an organisational culture on the performance of business enterprises. A strong organisational culture in a healthcare institution is also believed to lead to a good reputation of an institution and its better performance. However, it is not clear what quantitative parameters could be used to define the organisational culture in a healthcare institution and which specific performance indicators are affected by it.

Research problem. which quantitative parameters can be used to assess the organisational culture of the divisions of a clinical lab (hereinafter: Lab) and how does the performance of an institution depend on its organisational culture?

Research object. the organisational culture in the Lab divisions and their performance.

Research aims. to establish the impact of the organisational culture on the performance of the Lab divisions.

Methodology. analysis of internal and external information sources of the Lab by means of a questionnaire survey, a structured interview, and the processing and analysis of the findings.

Findings. As established, an organisational culture in a healthcare institution tends to inspire and motivate its staff to deal with common problems, to feel responsibility, and to pursue common goals of individual staff members and the organisation. Successful Lab divisions boast a strong organisational culture which makes a positive impact both on individual performance elements and on the overall performance. The Lab-declared policy is focused on quality performance as the most important value of the organisation. The better the organisational culture, the more intensive the activities of the Lab are, however, the dependence of the number of medical tests to be performed by one staff member on the organisational culture is weak.

Keywords: organisational culture, healthcare, impact, performance.

INTRODUCTION

An organisational culture shall be defined as the synthesis of art, science, and religion. It helps to guide the organisational activities in the right direction and covers the values of the organisation under which a satisfactory solution to the problem is found. Contemporary executives have started to identify an organisational culture with a powerful strategic tool which directs people towards common goals, promotes initiative, and attracts and motivates people.