This article aims to define organisational culture and explain why it is important to patients, carers and those working in healthcare environments. Organisational culture is not a new concept and the literature on the subject is well-established. However, because of the changing dynamics of the NHS, there has been a shift away from ‘what’ the NHS stands for, often relating to its history and rituals, to ‘who’ it functions for, including how healthcare professionals such as nurses can develop and drive the organisational culture. The article seeks to assist nurses in understanding the role of organisational culture, as well as implementing its main principles in the workplace.
Nursing Standard. 32, 21, 53-63. doi: 10.7748/ns.2018.e11021
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind review and has been checked for plagiarism using automated software
Conflict of interestNone declared
RevalidationPrepare for revalidation: read this CPD article, answer the questionnaire and write a reflective account: rcni.com/revalidation
To write a CPD articlePlease email tanya.fernandes@rcni.com. Guidelines on writing for publication are available at: rcni.com/writeforus
Received: 21 September 2017
Accepted: 17 November 2017
or
Alternatively, you can purchase access to this article for the next seven days. Buy now
Are you a student? Our student subscription has content especially for you.
Find out more
