Organisation culture to enhance innovation in a small island state establishment of blood, tissues and cells

Abstract

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is a government entity licensed under the Human Blood and Transplants Act for production of blood and blood products and corneal transplants. The current scope limits patient access to essential substances of human origin (SOHO) and affects patient safety. A decision has been taken for the NBTS to extend its remit to other SOHO products. This will require that NBTS become an innovative centre of excellence for SOHO. The literature showed that innovation requires an organisation culture and leadership that sustain it. This research project aimed at studying the perspective of the Managerial and non-Managerial employee on the current organisational culture at NBTS and whether they consider that a change in culture will be needed to support the proposed change in the organisation. A mixed method approach comprising quantitative questionnaires and a qualitative survey was used to collect the perspectives relating to the current and futuristic organisation culture. The insights of the employees on facilitators and barriers to change were also collected. The quantitative results showed Managerial and non-Managerial employees concur that NBTS has a Clan Culture and that no organisation change is required to retain the quality of the new services and new products. However, some contradictions to this statement were uncovered by the qualitative data, as the dominant culture within the departments resulted to be Hierarchy. The participants identified leadership as a factor that deeply influences resistance to change and that motivation is crucial for people to accept change. The major areas in need of innovation were confirmed both quantitatively and qualitatively as being those related to Processes and Resources. This information on the perspectives of the employees at NBTS gives evidence required for strategic planning of the implementation of the change at NBTS.