Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

A manager wants to influence the customary way of thinking and behaving that is shared by the members of the department. Which of the following terms refer to this?

1. cultural network.

2. organizational chart.

3. organizational culture.

4. planning.

The correct answer is: organizational culture.

The term that refers to the customary way of thinking and behaving shared by members of a department is organizational culture. Organizational culture encompasses the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape how work gets done within an organization or department. It influences how employees interact with each other and approach their work, ultimately affecting job satisfaction and performance. In this context, a manager aiming to influence this culture would be focused on fostering certain values and practices among employees, thereby enhancing teamwork, communication, and overall effectiveness. Other terms such as a cultural network refer to the connections and relationships that might exist within a culture but do not specifically define the behaviors and shared beliefs themselves. An organizational chart outlines the structure of the organization but does not capture the underlying values or behaviors. Planning involves setting goals and determining the means to achieve them, which is separate from the cultural aspects of how an organization operates.