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Professionalism, Organizations, and Compliance
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 December 2018
Abstract
Earlier studies haw shown that professional orientations are related to individual compliance with laws and regulations. However, no quantitative studies have focused on compliance at the organizational level and the professional orientations of the chief executive officer. Studies on dues and law breaking at the individual level have focused on professional orientations, but within an organization there are other aspects of professionalism that will be of import in determining the organization's compliance with the law. We posit that professionalism is a more complex notion for individuals located in an organizational setting. Utilizing data collected from 410 Australian nursing homes, which are characterized by a flat management structure, the data show that of three aspects of professionalism—orientation, values, and autonomy—it is professional autonomy that directly affects organizational compliance. However, the data do suggest that the relationship between professional orientations and organizational compliance are mediated by the complexity of the organization. Organizational culture is also shown to be an important factor in explaining compliance with the law.
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References
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37 This is true whether we use an official measure of organizational compliance or a self-reported measure of compliance.Google Scholar
38 As part of the funding arrangements all nursing homes are guaranteed a minimum occupancy rate of 98% by the federal government.Google Scholar
39 This was also found to be the case when we substituted the self-reported measure of organizational compliance for the government-assessed compliance measure.Google Scholar
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