The Medical Group Management Association’s most recent MGMA Stat poll asked healthcare leaders what they regarded as the most important factor for a positive organizational culture. Four in 10 respondents indicated that communication was the most important factor, followed by leadership (32%) and engagement (24%). Only 3% indicated some other factor was most important, while 1% were unsure. This poll was conducted on March 12, 2019, with 1,281 applicable responses. Many of those who answered “Other” maintained that it was a combination of factors, including leadership, communication and engagement, that contribute to a positive culture in their organization. Trust in leaders and the vision were also frequently cited as the most important factors.
MGMA found similar results while conducting research among healthcare leaders for the MGMA Research & Analysis report, Factors of a Positive Practice Culture: Behavior Modeling, Communication, Engagement & Empowerment. As Kenneth T. Hertz, FACMPE, principal, MGMA Consulting, states in the report, “Culture is so inextricably linked to mission, vision, values and ultimately, an organization’s success. One often-used definition of vision is how we define success. When the leadership provides clarity in vision and effectively communicates it throughout all levels of the organization, the culture develops organically into a positive, supportive one — a culture that mitigates burnout and promotes health and well-being within the organization.” Learn more about our findings.
Additional resources
- MGMA19 | The Operations Conference — Explore strategies for fostering a positive culture in your practice with peers and industry experts. Sessions include:
- GEN01: Building and Maintaining a Positive Workplace Culture in Healthcare
- CON102: Improving Access and Engaging Patients Without Burning Out Your Team
- CON601: Taking Care of Your Staff: Retention in the Era of Workforce Shortages
- MGMA Insights Podcast: Thought Leadership to Cure Medical Practice Burnout — Listen to a variety of experts address topics such as the technology disconnect, toxic cultures, leadership in the face of natural disasters, rebuilding a broken culture and empowering your employees.
- Are practice investments to address physician burnout justified? — Learn how to systemically address burnout through strategic investments.
JOIN MGMA STAT
Our ability at MGMA to provide great resources, education and advocacy depends on a strong feedback loop with healthcare leaders. To be part of this effort, sign up for MGMA Stat and make your voice heard in our weekly polls. Sign up by texting “STAT” to 33550 or visit mgma.com/stat. Polls will be sent to your phone via text message.
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