Shared governance: is it a catalyst of change?

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a practical application of shared governance in a clinical health care setting. This investigation content analyzes monthly reports, personnel meeting minutes, individual preinterview and postinterview and satisfaction scores, a management assessment questionnaire, budget comparisons, and participant observations. Several identified shared governance applications include improved communication, conflict resolution, trust, team building, accountability, responsibility, quality care, and cost containment. This examination does support the value of the shared governance model as a catalyst of change. It indicates a need for more formalized committee structures, development of a peer review program and a staff action group to improve communications, and continued development of the shared governance model. However, this yearlong study strongly supports use of shared governance to increase job satisfaction, improve the budget, increase team building, and build job commitment.