Shared goals, communication and mutual respect in multicultural staff teams: A relational coordination perspective

Abstract

Aim Task interdependence among staff in nursing homes is high, and staff teams are typically composed of employees from different cultural backgrounds with varying levels of skills and qualifications. By applying relational coordination theory as an analytic lens, we investigated how communication and cooperation challenges are experienced and dealt with. Design This is a qualitative study. Method In‐dept interviews with 31 members of staff in two nursing homes and thematic analysis of the material. Results The study identified challenges in direct communication and collaboration difficulties related to understanding how to use professional discretion in daily care practices in both nursing homes. The management in one of the two nursing homes arranged frequent meetings to share knowledge about the residents, their care status and introduced initiatives to build competence among all members of staff, including substitute and temporary staff. This contributed to ensuring shared goals and mutual respect at the workplace.

Cultural diversity in health care teams: A systematic integrative review and research agenda

“…Culture workshops, formal integration programs for immigrants, and culturally sensitive training can also contribute to turning cultural diversity into a positive force (e.g., Brunton & Cook, 2018; Clayton et al, 2016; El-Amouri & O'Neill, 2011). Also reported as helpful in this regard are workshops training; (Waite et al, 1995), social gatherings (Clayton et al, 2016), collective work experiences in challenging situations (Arieli, 2013), team-building activities (Hope et al, 2005), and group reflections (Tingvold & Munkejord, 2021; Uman et al, 2020). Such interventions might even increase the perception that outgroups are better integrated.…”

Challenging Behaviors as a Relational Phenomenon: Findings From a Qualitative Study in a Nursing Home in Norway

“…While, in some studies, using discretion and making good decisions seem to be related to staff’s educational level (Unruh et al, 2007), other studies indicate that a “highly competent care staff” depends on whether or not the staff members have a “genuine interest” in the residents and, thus, whether or not they have the ability to meet the vulnerabilities of nursing home residents in a calm, respectful, and attentive manner (Munkejord & Tingvold, 2019). However, whether or not staff members are enabled to show a genuine interest in the residents and to meet them in a calm, respectful, and attentive manner depends on the organizational culture of the nursing home (Cassie, 2012; Munkejord, 2019; Tingvold & Munkejord, 2021).…”

Norwegian nursing students' experience during clinical placement in an African country: Communication, relationship building and nursing identity. A qualitative study

“…There are obvious differences between the Norwegian and the health care systems in the country where this study was performed, and the students felt a need to preserve their professional integrity. A study by Tingvold and Munkejord ( 2021 ) highlights the importance of regular clarification meetings for a culturally diverse group of staff, given obvious differences regarding opinions, solutions and problem solving. Pawlak ( 2021 ) stresses how Norwegian and Polish nurses approach their profession differently.…”

“…The establishment of positive relations between supervisors and nurses contributes to better learning outcomes for students on placement (Rebeiro et al, 2021 ). However, challenges tend to occur when health professionals from different countries and cultures meet in a complex, inter‐cultural setting marked by different approaches to problem solving (Tingvold & Munkejord, 2021 ; Pawlak, 2021 ).…”