Question

A nursing manager has noticed increasing incidents of rudeness and lack of cooperation among co-workers. Which action by the manager is best?

a. Holding a staff meeting and reminding the staff of policies regarding behavior
b. Disciplining the ringleaders in order to make an example for the other staff
c. Having informal meetings to solicit staff opinions on the workplace
d. Announcing that raises will be withheld from staff members engaging in this behavior

Answer 1

The best approach for a nursing manager noticing increasing rudeness and lack of cooperation is to hold informal meetings to get staff feedback. This encourages open communication and makes employees feel valued, leading to a more positive and cooperative work environment. Formal sanctions may not address the root causes of behavioral problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

rudeness and lack of cooperation among co-workers, the best action by the nursing manager would be c. Having informal meetings to solicit staff opinions on the workplace. This approach fosters open communication, creating an environment where employees feel heard and valued, which can improve morale and cooperation. It demonstrates a proactive and constructive method of management, in contrast to the more punitive options such as disciplinary actions or withholding raises. By holding these informal meetings, the manager can identify underlying issues contributing to the negative behavior and work collaboratively with the staff to find solutions. This is a more effective long-term strategy than simply reminding staff of policies or using formal negative sanctions which may not address the root causes of the issues.

Maintaining a collegial working relationship and a positive work environment is crucial. Considering the experiences of Tyre, a nursing assistant in a difficult facility, the negative impact of a domineering and unsupportive supervisor can significantly affect an employee's job satisfaction and behavior. Furthermore, the example of the Executive Director interested in making the organization a 'best place' to work reinforces the importance of genuinely seeking and valuing employee feedback. Informal conversations allow employees to express concerns without fear of immediate repercussion and can be a step towards improving the organizational culture.

It is important to support a harmonious and positive working environment by understanding the organization's 'style' and adhering to respectful behavior. Formal measures such as performance evaluations are significant, but they should be part of a broader approach to managing employee relations, which includes open dialogue and responding to employee feedback.