UNPACKING THE ROLE OF RELATIONAL COORDINATION: A PERSPECTIVE OF HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

Relational coordination emphasizes high-quality, frequent, and timely communication among individuals and teams. This involves both formal and informal communication channels. Building and maintaining strong, positive relationships among team members is essential. Trust, respect, and mutual understanding are key components of effective relational coordination. Teams should have a clear understanding of their shared goals and objectives. When everyone is aligned with the same mission, it becomes easier to coordinate efforts. Role Clarity: Each team member should have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities within the team. Role ambiguity can lead to confusion and coordination breakdowns. Relational coordination encourages collaborative problem-solving. When issues arise, teams work together to find solutions rather than assigning blame. Continuous feedback loops are important for learning and improvement. Teams should provide feedback to each other and use it to make necessary adjustments. Relational coordination has been found to be particularly relevant in healthcare settings, where it can improve patient outcomes, reduce medical errors, and enhance the overall quality of care. In these contexts, it often involves better coordination between different healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, technicians, etc.) and departments (e.g., radiology, surgery, pharmacy). To implement relational coordination successfully, organizations often need to invest in training, leadership support, and cultural changes that promote open communication and collaboration. The goal is to create a work environment where individuals and teams are empowered to work together effectively to achieve common goals, ultimately improving performance and outcomes.