David F. Gillespie

A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Competing Values Instrument

The competing values framework (CVF) formulated by Quinn and his colleagues was developed to specify the criteria of organizational effectiveness and was later used to study a wide range of organizational phenomena such as culture and change. We extend this work by using structural equations modeling (LISREL) to (a) test the CVF and (b) refine a scale that identifies the extent to which managers and other organizational constituencies use the framework’s criteria to evaluate organizational effectiveness. Based on a sample of 300 hospital managers and supervisors, with one exception, our results support the CVF. Moreover, scores on the scale developed to measure the CVF criteria yield excellent validity and reliability estimates.

A test of the Maslach Burnout Inventory in three samples of healthcare professionals

Structural equation modelling with LISREL was used to investigate the factor structure of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Emotional exhaustion was the most robust of the MBIs three factors, followed by depersonalization, while the personal accomplishment factor performed weakly. A new measurement model was developed in a sample of 197 nurses consisting of the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimensions, which were measured with five and two empirical MBI indicators, respectively. A test of invariance of the two-factor model across three samples (i.e. one calibration sample of nurses, and two validation samples consisting of hospital laboratory technicians and hospital managers with an effective sample size of 445) produced a good fit for the proposed two-factor model. Assessment of psychometric properties of the two-factor model produced (1) internal consistencies comparable to those reported in the literature for the MBIs originally specified emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scales, and (2) correlations with criterion variables that were all in the expected direction and magnitude, comparable to those produced by the originally specified scales. Theoretical implications for the use of the two-factor model in burnout research are discussed.

Cracks in a postdisaster service delivery network

Poor linkage cracks are defined and identified empirically in a postdisaster service delivery network. These cracks exist when essential services are provided only by isolated or peripheral clusters of organizations. Network analysis is used to identify the isolated and peripheral clusters of organizations. Measures of experience in responding to disasters and service capacity are used to identify the organizations whose services are essential in the network. Cracks prevent the network from responding effectively in the aftermath of a disaster. Suggestions are made for using network analysis to identify cracks and to improve planning and coordination in all kinds of service networks.

Phrase Completion Scales: A Better Measurement Approach than Likert Scales?

Abstract Valid and reliable measures are fundamental to advancing social science. Phrase completion scales were designed to provide enhanced psychometrics compared to Likert scales by more closely conforming to foundational measurement and statistical assumptions. This article tests the two approaches by examining responses (N = 134) to items formatted using the Likert approach with comparable items formatted using the phrase completion approach. An assessment of the written comments, Cronbachs alphas, inter-item correlations, factor scores, and SEM coefficients suggested that items constructed in the phrase completion format may yield higher validity and reliability relative to Likert constructed items. The advantages of phrase completion scales may be particularly pronounced when measuring attitudes that fall at all points along the underlying attitudinal continuum.

A Conceptual Model Exploring the Dynamics of Government–Nonprofit Service Delivery:

This article explores the dynamics between government and human service nonprofits for service delivery in the United States. The authors initiate the development of a dynamic resource theory to explain the process of government–nonprofit interdependence for human service delivery. The theory is conceived from the application of system dynamics to dependencies arising through the process of resource exchange. They explain how government regulations can help to improve or to lower the quality of service and how the balance of power between government and nonprofits shifts over time. Elaboration, refinement, and testing of dynamic resource theory will improve our ability to manage and benefit from the government–nonprofit partnership.

The relationship between burnout and organizational commitment in two samples of health professionals

Abstract Relationships between dimensions of burnout and employee commitment to the organization were tested in two hospital samples, using structural equations analysis. Whereas burnout has typically been assumed to be a predictor of organizational commitment, the present data provided support for the converse hypothesis, that low commitment contributes to the experience of burnout. Specifically, in a sample of nurses (n = 197), commitment showed direct effects on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and a weaker indirect effect (via exhaustion) on depersonalization. A similar pattern of effects emerged in a sample of laboratory technicians from the same organization (n = 110), although in this case the direct linkage between organizational commitment and depersonalization was not statistically significant. Implications for organizational efforts to reduce burnout are discussed.

Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice and Organizational Performance

Administrators of mental health services may expect evidence-based practice (EBP) to offer strategic benefits. Existing theory suggests that the benefits of implementing EBP vary by organizational characteristics. This paper presents a conceptual framework for considering how implementation impacts organizational performance. The framework is developed as a system dynamics simulation model based on existing literature, organizational theory, and key informant interviews with mental health services administrators and clinical directors. Results from the simulations show how gains in performance depended on organizations’ initial inertia and initial efficiency and that only the most efficient organizations may see benefits in organizational performance from implementing EBP. Implications for administrators, policy makers, and services researchers are discussed.

Burnout among health service providers

Conditions believed to produce burnout are examined empirically with the Gillespie-Numerof Burnout Inventory (GNBI) in a sample of 154 health service professionals. The GNBI was administered in a 205-bed, religious-affiliated general hospital located in a major midwestern city. Findings indicate that burnout is inversely related to two job characteristics: degree of formalization and perceived adequacy of communication with supervisor; and burnout is related inversely to three provider characteristics: age, marital status, and years of experience in present position. Age of the provider and communication with supervisor are strongly related to burnout.

Effects of Organizational Type and Localism on Volunteerism and Resource Sharing During Disasters

After a disaster, community consensus is at its highest. This suggests that geographic distance is a barrier to coordination. This study found that geographic distance is negatively related to links among organizations, but most of this relationship is accounted for by organizational variables, including geographic service range, volunteerism, and appreciation shown to volunteers. Organizations with a local orientation have lower levels of volunteerism. Compared to emergency management organization, social service organizations have larger geographic service ranges, a less localistic orientation, and more network links. This study suggests that social service organizations promote resource redistribution and network coordination, whereas emergency management organizations with limited service ranges tend to block resource redistribution and limit volunteer participation.

Modeling the mental health effects of victimization among homeless persons

Homeless persons are victims of violent and non-violent crime at higher rates than housed populations. While studies have suggested that victimization can induce or exacerbate mental health problems, there is very little known about factors that may buffer the effects of victimization. This cross-sectional study examined the influence of victimization on depressive symptoms in over 9600 homeless and mentally ill adults participating in the Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Supports study (ACCESS) conducted in multiple cities across the USA relationships between victimization, depressive symptoms, and perceived safety were tested within a structural equation modeling framework using data collected at the baseline interview. The overall model exhibited a good fit with the data. Non-physical victimization was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and physical victimization was associated with lower levels of perceived safety. As hypothesized, perceived safety was a significant partial mediator of depressive symptoms. These results underscore the complexity of the relationships between victimization and depression in homeless adults and the importance of addressing different types of victimization in homeless and mentally ill adults.