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

Abstract

BackgroundPromoting 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. AimWe 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. MethodsA 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. ResultsThree 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. ConclusionPositive 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.