Christopher R. Larrison, PhD, Susan L. Schoppelrey, PhD, Eric Hadley-Ives, PhD, and Barry J. Ackerson, PhD. School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 West Oregon Street, Champaign, IL 61801, 217-244-5237, larrison@uiuc.edu

Purpose: Because community mental health agencies (CMHAs) have a significant amount of independence, their organizational climates may vary tremendously. The resulting variation may contribute to dissimilarities in treatment outcomes for diverse clients. The research sought to investigate this hypothesis. Methodology: A two part pilot study was conducted at a CMHA in the rural Southeast with a diverse client population. In part one, a convenience sample (n = 130) representing 16.8% of the client population had their level of symptomatology measured repeatedly (4x) using a scale (BASIS-32). The data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. In part two, focus groups of key stakeholders [African American clients (n = 20), staff/administrators (n = 36)] participated in semi-structured interviews and completed scales that measured organizational climate [Work Environment Scale (WES); Mental Health Statistics Improvement Program (MSIP)]. Scale scores were compared to normative groups. Results: The BASIS-32 scores indicated that clients remained stable or experienced decreased levels of symptomatology regardless of ethnic background. The mean WES scores for the study sample were higher than the healthcare comparison group in terms of organizational involvement, task orientation, clarity, innovation, and comfort. MSIP scores indicated that clients experienced higher consumer satisfaction and higher agreement that treatment was accessible, appropriate, and beneficial than reported by a national sample of clients at CMHAs. Implications: This study confirms previous research indicating that organizational climate influences staff behavior and outcomes for clients. Of particular interest is the impact that a positive organizational climate may have on treatment outcomes for diverse clients.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to

• Identify the factors within the concept of organizational climate that are likely to impact treatment outcomes for diverse clients.
• Understand why these factors are likely to impact outcomes for diverse clients.
• Identify possible methods for recreating these factors within community mental health agencies.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 101.0 kb)