Promoting a person-centred workplace culture in a public nursing education institution in South Africa by fostering effective teamwork amongst nurse educators

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Promoting a person-centred workplace culture in organisations is one of the most challenging tasks for both employers and employees. Person-centred workplace cultures and effective teamwork have been linked to achieving optimal organisational outcomes. AIM : We report nurse educators' perceptions of the elements required for effective teamwork to promote a person-centred workplace culture in a public nursing education institution in South Africa. METHODS : A consensus meeting with 32 participants, purposively selected from a population of nurse educators and nursing managers. Data were collected during the consensus meeting, which was facilitated by two external nursing education experts. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS : Three main themes emerged during the consensus meeting in relation to effective teamwork. The first theme was positive work relations, with categories of: knowing self and others, respecting self and others and trusting self and others. The second theme that emerged was effective communication with categories of: sharing information, cultural sensitivity and diversity. The third theme was group cohesion with categories of: active participation, adherence to work plan, collective vision of goals and collective decision making. CONCLUSION : Positive work relations open the door towards effective teamwork. Effective communication ensures the smooth dissemination of information and feedback to facilitate effective teamwork and in turn promote a person-centred workplace culture.