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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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White, V.M. Jr., May 1981 - VARIATIONS IN ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES WITHIN THE FLORIDA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE
Abstract: The purpose of this Applied Medical Anthropology research was to detect the presence or absence of variations in work-related goal perceptions between the direct service and supervisory/administrative staff within the Gerontology Program at the Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI) in Tampa, Florida. The objective of the Gerontology Program is to create and evaluate client assessment and treatment programs for the elderly. The study was undertaken to detect potential variation in staff goal perceptions and eliminate those factors which were not contributing to the Program's success. The concept of behavior modification is the mechanism around which the Gerontology Program is designed. It approaches client treatment with the purpose of eliminating those behaviors that are detrimental to an elderly person's ability to function appropriately in the community. Of equal importance is the teaching of new behaviors or the modification of those that exist in order for the client to conform to the cultural constraints set by society. Anthropological methods and techniques can be useful means by which a study of this kind can be conducted. An ethnosemantic approach is the means by which this can be accomplished. Anthropology offers the opportunity of insight into the Gerontology Program that otherwise could not be had using other methods. The methodology consisted primarily of conducting semi-structured interviews with the administrative/supervisory and direct service staffs of the Gerontology Program. Six members of the supervisory staff and fifteen of the direct service staff were interviewed. The opportunity for ethnographic study was limited; however, staff members were observed in the work setting of the Gerontology Program. The interviews focused on such topics as intradepartmental communication, research, client treatment, program organization, and authority structure. From the interview data and limited observation, an ethnosemantic analysis was performed with the aim of ascertaining any variations in goal perceptions between the two staff groups. The analysis of the data was also viewed in the light of the literature relating to staffs in mental health settings. No significant variations in goal perceptions existed between the direct service staff and the supervisory/administrative staff. However, certain elements within the Program needed some attention. Recommendations included an increase in the formal training of direct service staff, evaluation of client assessments, a more precise delineation of authority structure, and an improvement in communication between shifts. Overall, however, the Gerontology Program at Florida Mental Health Institute appeared to be effective and well organized; staff members exhibited a high degree of cooperation and homogeneity.
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