The Significance of Communication in Managing Cultural Change Within Healthcare Organizations

Abstract

Communication is important for managing culture change in healthcare organizations. For leaders intent on changing the existing culture, key considerations include coordinating the organizational strategic plan and core values with communication strategies and ensuring a sustained focus on communicating with various subcultures or groups. Substandard communication strategies often fail to change an existing culture. Preferred tactics to advance the desired culture include using optimal communication channels and styles. Finally, if the preferred culture change is not materializing despite best communication efforts, the message may need to be modified or conveyed differently, or communication approaches reconsidered.