ORGANIZATIONAL STIGMA: THE CASE OF THE NURSING HOME IN AMERICAN SOCIETY. (VOLUMES I AND II) (STIGMA).
Contributors: University of Minnesota.
Published: 1993
Number of pages: 378
Subjects: Sociology, General.; Gerontology.
Description: This study argues that organizations, like persons, can be stigmatized. Elaborating on Goffman's (1963) concept, organizational stigma (OS)$\sp1$ was defined as "a deeply discrediting attribute with consequences for the organization and its actors.".

The research focus was on identifying ways in which OS is evidenced, its variance between organizations and among nursing homes (NHs), and factors that might account for it. A random sample of 30 Minnesota nursing homes in 1990 was selected. Methodologies included on-site visits, administration of instruments, interviews, and use of public record data. Responses from subjects in two samples (public informants and NH-affiliated people drawn from pre-selected role categories) were aggregated to reflect the organization.

Results showed OS is manifest in NHs, but variations among NHs are also evident. Analyses determined certain organizational characteristics were significantly associated with lower levels of OS, including fewer complaints to State agencies, reduced use of "pool" staffing, a more physically attractive environment, more space available per resident, and organizational culture with less conflict.

Qualitative data revealed five OS dimensions: concealment, "course," disruptiveness, peril, and aesthetic qualities (Jones et al., 1984). OS had consequences for the organization and its actors. For example, administrators provided accounts to negotiate both self- and institutional-identity.

OS varied between organizations. Ranking of different organizations on OS depended upon organizational types and actor's role. When ranking between organizations, NH actors tended to rank NHs more favorably than did public informants. When evaluating among NHs, however, proximity to a specific NH did not favorably color views of "NHs-in-general." Rather, while NH actors spoke favorably about their NH, the general NH stereotype was not moved.

OS fills a conceptual niche, handling an organizational phenomenon that hasn't been studied. The concept of OS is worthy of pursuit because of its (a) impact on gerontology and the approach actors (people and organizations) take to aging and long-term care, and (b) its potential contribution to the study of organizations and organizational performance. ftn$\sp1$For efficiency, acronyms are used and defined where first utilized.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 54-05, Section: A, page: 1958.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, 1993.

School code: 0130.