Part I
Considering the theory of diffusion of innovation and other change theories such as Levin’s Change Theory or King’s Theory of Goal Attainment what, do you perceive as the various strengths or weaknesses of each when considering change projects in the workplace? Why would you choose the use of one theory over another?
Diffusion of innovation theory has the following strengths. Rogers the inventor had the ability to evaluate thousands of studies enabling him to integrate a huge volume of empirical data, which has ensured relevance even in the modern age. The theory is consistent with most conclusions from effects surveys and urging experiments (Swansburg et al., 2008). The theory is practical. It provides a realistic guide to information campaigns in many countries. The theory of diffusion of innovation also exhibits the following weaknesses. The theory is linear and lays a lot of emphasis on the source. It does not appreciate the power of the media. The theory encourages adoption by segments opposed to innovation.
Lewin’s change theory poses the following strengths in considering for a change at the workplace. The theory is stable, goal and plan based. The theory works on premeditated, incremental, reactive or preventative changes (Ellis & Hartley, 2009). It has three stages making it easy to implement change, as each stage is premeditated, implementable and auditable. Lewin’s theory of change has one major weakness. It does not consider personal factors that can affect change.
King’s theory of goal attainment theory portrays the following strengths. It describes a reasonable chain of events. This theory clearly describes concepts. It is relatively simple. The assumptions of this theory are testable. The weaknesses here include the fact that is not testable and in most cases, it is contradicting (Butts & Rich, 2011). It indicates that nurses are apprehensive of the healthcare of groups but goes ahead to define nursing as a dyadic relationship. It portrays nurses and clients as strangers. It further goes ahead to assert that they cooperate in goal attainment. The theory has not yet developed enough for application in providing nursing aid to groups, families and communities.
Choosing the diffusion of evolution theory over Lewin’s theory is better because it is more adaptive to changes in the dynamic world. Diffusion of innovation is also better than King`s theory because King’s theory is contradicting compared to the theory of diffusion, which is consistent.
Part IIWhy is change difficult to implement in nursing care?
Several factors act as barriers to the implementation of change in nursing care. Research shows that nurses themselves can act as barriers to change implementation in nursing care. Resistance from nurses can arise when the nurses lack the necessary knowledge required (Roussel, 2013). It might include inadequate knowledge in information technology. Acquiring knowledge may involve going for workshops and trainings on the desired change in nursing. Nursing practice always faces challenges of lack of resources (Huber, 2010). Inadequate resources act as a barrier to change in nursing. Lack of adequate levels of support staff is also a major barrier. Resources are important in supporting change in nursing. The organization must provide the necessary resources that will support change. The other barriers are inaccessibility to facilities, health status of patients and the lack of education of staff and patients.
How can nurses facilitate change within their unit while implementing change theories?
Nurses are in a better position to implement changes by applying change theories. Nurses are the professionals that spend most of the time with patients, which mean they have the ability to implement changes in the nursing practice. The first step in implementing changes involves looking for areas that require changes (Lundy & Jane, 2009). After identifying the areas that need the changes, they gather information and resources needed to implement the change. Communication is important for the implementation of change process and nurses must always communicate the needed change to the stakeholders and patients. The Lewin`s theory of change is important in implementing the changes in the unit.
Reference
Butts, J., & Rich, K. (2011). Philosophies and theories for advanced nursing Practice (1st Ed.). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Ellis, J. R., & Hartley, C. L. (2009). Nursing in today's world: Trends, issues & management. Philadelphia, Penns: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Huber, D. (2010). Leadership and nursing care management. 1st ed. Maryland Heights, Mo.: Saunders.
Lundy, K. S., & Janes, S. (2009). Community health nursing: Caring for the public's health. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Roussel, L. (2013). Management and leadership for nurse administrators. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Swansburg, R. C., & Swansburg, R. J. (2008). Introduction to management and leadership for nurse managers. Boston: Jones and Bartlett.
