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Biomedical subjects

D Tourish

Publications and source records attributed to D Tourish.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Gender, religion, and adolescent patterns of self-disclosure in the divided society of Northern Ireland.

Adolescence is a period when levels of self-disclosure are often lowest. While studies have revealed a clear preference for female targets of disclosure, little research has been carried out on the effects of religion upon disclosure. The impact of religion was of importance in this investigation, given that it was conducted in Northern Ireland, where religion affects almost every aspect of social life. The aim was to ascertain the effects of gender and religious affiliation on adolescent disclosure to friends and strangers. Results revealed that while females were significantly higher disclosers than were males, religion per se did not play a key role. This suggests that even in a highly polarized society, gender is the central determinant of disclosure and is even more important than political identity. The implications of these findings are discussed, particularly with regard to the difficulty young males have in terms of revealing personal information.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Communication between nurses and nurse managers: a case study from an NHS Trust.

The role of effective communication in promoting organizational efficiency and effectiveness is being increasingly recognized. This paper proposes a communication audit methodology as a useful means of examining the quality of communication between nurses and their managers. Utilizing a case study methodology, results from an exploratory study are presented and discussed. These data suggest that significant problems in this field currently exist. The general applicability of the findings throughout the NHS are considered, and proposals on how relationships and communication could be improved are examined.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Communication in the NHS: using qualitative approaches to analyse effectiveness.

Argues in favour of utilizing qualitative methods to assess the effectiveness of internal communications in the National Health Service (NHS), as a supplement to the more standard quantitative measures normally employed. Presents a case study from an NHS Trust, demonstrating the type of data which is generated. Compares these data to findings derived by quantitative methods. Argues that the quantitative findings both confirm and supplement those derived by quantitative methods, and that both can identify the types of major problems prevalent within the NHS at present. Suggests that the further study of these issues should become an important part of efforts to create national standards for communication effectiveness in the future.

Communication↗
PubMed1996

Communication audits and the management of change: a case study from an NHS unit of management.

This article explores the importance of high quality communication between managers and staff for the effective management of change within the National Health Service (NHS). In particular, a methodology termed communication audit is outlined. Such audits enable managers to gather accurate information about communication practices within organizations and allows them to assess the nature, quantity and quality of internal communications. This, in turn, facilitates the identification and resolution of potential problems and helps to provide a clearly focused agenda for action and change. A case study is offered which illustrates how such an audit was applied to a Unit of Management within the NHS. The implications for managers throughout the organization are then considered.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1996

Auditing senior management communication practices in the NHS: a regional study.

Increasingly, organizations are being confronted with significant strategic change. This process can only be managed effectively if human resource implications, including how effectively managers and staff communicate with each other, are taken into account. This paper outlines how communication audits provide managers with insights into patterns of communication within their organizations. The nature of communication audits are briefly delineated and explained. An investigation from within the National Health Service (NHS) is offered, which illustrates how a communication audit focusing on relationships between regional, district and local levels of management illuminated patterns of communication between senior managers at these levels. This resulted in the development of an action plan for the improvement of communication practices. The generalizability of these findings to the NHS is discussed.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1995

Integrated communications perspectives and the practice of total quality management.

Communication is becoming increasingly identified as a significant factor influencing the ability of the NHS to achieve high-quality outcomes. Typically, organizations have tended to conceptualize communication as a process dealing with external relationships. Emphasizes the importance of both internal and external communications, and argues that the NHS now needs to integrate both these dimensions of the communication function. Proposes a strategic framework which suggests how this can be accomplished. Proposes and discusses a communications-centred model of the management process in the light of this approach. This model integrates perspectives which have hitherto dichotomized management as either a science or an art. It also locates communication at the heart of effective management. Finally, suggests the NHS is uniquely well placed to provide data on the impact and costs of total communication programmes.

Communication↗
PubMed1994

An integrated communication strategy for health service managers.

Highlights the importance of communication as a management activity. In particular, examines ways in which internal and external communication strategies can be integrated. To this end, proposes a communication strategy sequence which provides a robust methodology for gathering data and informing decision making regarding communication needs. Details the four key steps in the sequence and provides examples from work done in Northern Ireland. Discusses the principles and practices of data collection and emphasizes the importance of securing the commitment of senior managers. Examines the costs and benefits of introducing comprehensive communication programmes and points out organizational advantages.

Administrative Personnel↗
PubMed1993

Quality assurance and internal organizational communications.

Reviews the relationship between internal communication in organizations and the effective delivery of service. Illustrates how quality internal communications can reduce the levels of uncertainty experienced by staff, especially at times of change, and describes a methodology--the communication audit--whereby organizations can monitor and evaluate quality in this sphere. Explains the core steps involved in implementing this type of audit and itemizes the main data collection tools.

Forms and Records Control↗
PubMed1993

Assessing the effectiveness of communication in organisations: the communication audit approach.

Within the past decade there has been an enormous growth of interest in the field of organisational communication. Numerous books, book chapters and journal articles have been devoted to this topic. However, much of this output has been at the level of common sense exhortation, has tended to be anecdotal, or at best has been based upon the personal experience of the authors. Certainly within the UK there has been little hard empirical research into the nature, flow and functions of communication within organisations. This paper proposes the introduction of a much more systematic methodology for the study of such communication, based upon what is known as the 'communication audit' approach. This approach is fully explained and the main methods employed in communication audits outlined, together with their relative advantages and disadvantages. It is also pointed out that audits are now widely employed to measure performance in other spheres of the organisation, such as finance, and it is argued that the implementation of this system to measure communication performance is therefore long overdue. The benefits for organisations of carrying out audits are highlighted and suggestions are made about possible future directions for research in this area.

Communication↗