The strategic development of physiotherapy in South Africa paper 1: Some theoretical concepts which relate to organisational change

P Bowerbank

doi:10.4102/sajp.v56i3.1351

Abstract

This is the first of two papers which examine the relationship between professional organisations and organisational change. Different theoretical paradigms for change are outlined against the historical development of the physiotherapy profession in South Africa. An evolutionary approach using an open systems framework emphasises the need for constant interaction by the physiotherapy profession with the external environment. Some of the responses by the physiotherapy profession to the changing events and shifts in the external environment are discussed and some strategic recommendations for the continuing sustainability of the profession are made.

Highlights

Organisations form one of the most fundamental characteristics of modern society
M ajor tasks, such as health care, are addressed not by a single organisation, but by sets of inter dependent organisations which include nursing, physiotherapy, medicine etc. This is the first of two papers which seek insights into the ways the phy siotherapy profession in South Africa evolved, managed and sustained itself as a small professional organisation throughout the last 30 years. This first paper introduces modern sociological theories which underpin our understanding of professional orga nisations, organisational change and transformation processes
The evolution of the,physiotherapy profession in South Africa will be used as an example

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Organisations form one of the most fundamental characteristics of modern society. They are founded as a conse quence of historical necessity and resource availabilty (Aldrich 1999). M ajor tasks, such as health care, are addressed not by a single organisation, but by sets of inter dependent organisations which include nursing, physiotherapy, medicine etc This is the first of two papers which seek insights into the ways the phy siotherapy profession in South Africa evolved, managed and sustained itself as a small professional organisation throughout the last 30 years. The current shift in health care policy firstly away from disease orientated medicine towards a more participative client based system whereby clients take more responsibility for their own health; and secondly, encompassing a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach means the profession’s boundaries are likely to become more blurry with a greater over lapping and sharing of common skills This presents new challenges to the pro fession which has- spent considerable time and effort over the past 20 years protecting its skills and scope of prac tice. Their ability to do this will depend, in part, firstly on their profes sional adaptability and confidence and secondly on their desire for the sustain ability of the profession

CONCLUSION

New Millennium Tim e to think of a change?

Matt W agner Quality Locums Durban