Unit 2 Topic 2: Organizational System Theory.
A system is made up of many parts. All these parts are important for the functioning of the whole system. The parts depend on each other and complete each other. If one part of the system fails, then the whole system is affected. The general outcome of the functionality of the system is as a result of the contribution of each of its parts (Caws, 2015). Systems normally have a predictable pattern of how they behave.
The system’s theory can be used to address the communication issues that arise. This is especially between nurses and physicians. According to this theory, it is easy to understand something when the parts are broken down into simpler units. The boundaries of the system need to be established to establish how they function. According to Rousseau, Billingham, Wilby, & Blachfellner (2016), it is important to understand the role that each component of the system plays.
According to Rousseau, Billingham, Wilby, & Blachfellner (2016), the major concepts in the systems theory include: a change in one part affects the system (Holism); each member of the system has a specific role to play (Specialization); the contribution of each member is essential (Non-summational); the system has different groups doing different things (grouping); holistically, the system has many characteristics that are not unique to one member but apply to all (Emergent properties).
This theory applies to my chosen issue because nurses and doctors are important in the health care system. Their communication issues send ripple effects to the whole system (Shafritz, Ott, & Jang, 2015). Their understanding, the roles each of them have to play and why they are important can lead to communication improvements for better patient outcomes.
References
Caws, P. (2015). General systems theory: Its past and potential. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 32(5), 514-521.
Rousseau, D., Billingham, J., Wilby, J., & Blachfellner, S. (2016). In search of general systems theory. Systema: connecting matter, life, culture and technology, 4(1), 76-99.
Shafritz, J. M., Ott, J. S., & Jang, Y. S. (2015). Classics of organization theory. Cengage Learning.
