IT, like all other staff functions is respected if it adds value to the organization’s value chain and to those employees who work directly on, or directly support the value chain. A key to success of all IT organizations is to ensure that their customers (evey other function, most expecially those on the value chain–in healthcare it is those that touch the patient) believes that IT understands that functions’ challengers and is there to serve them.

IT employess who only serve other IT employees may be able to get await with a paroachial IT focus (I doubt it), but employees who come into contact with those outside their function– their customers, must be able to convince those customers that IT is there to help them personally and functionally be successful. Staff functions are in the sales business!! If ITs’ customers aren’t asking for IT help, then they either are not getting the help that IT could provide and they need, or the IT help they need is being forced on them–either way, it will not reflect well on IT.

And, like all sales organizations, it is not the product that is key, it is the relationships with your customer and their view of the services provided to them.

Thoughts from a non-IT type……..

WA

You are exactly right re: the organizational climate (integrity, positive reinforcement, etc.) After a number of years working for a major EMR vendor, I can honestly say that the stongest influence on adoption of new technology came from the tone set by an organization, particularly its leadership. When the proper mentality is held at the executive leadership level, it infiltrates and inspires, in my experience.

Thank you for this post,
Rebecca W