Date

8-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Sandy Underhill, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

This Strategic Research Project examined communication challenges affecting organizational performance at Riverside Community Health System (RCHS) and utilized a mixed-methods approach to identify an evidence-based strategy. This study utilized quantitative tools such as the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), External Factor Evaluation (EFE), and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to quantify data that supported subjective decision-making, which was also supported by literature evidence. Qualitative analysis was conducted through the SWOT assessment to examine organizational strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to communication. The integration of qualitative findings, quantitative strategic analysis, and literature evidence provided a comprehensive basis for evaluating communication challenges and comparing strategic alternatives.

The strategic analysis identified communication as a weakness affecting teamwork, employee engagement, coordination, and patient safety. Communication Training and Digital Communication Systems were evaluated. Communication Training received the highest QSPM score (5.78) compared with 5.15 for Digital Communication Systems and was selected as the preferred strategy. The strategy will include communication workshops, mentorship, coaching, reinforcement, and ongoing evaluation.

The Action Plan will include communication needs assessment, training, competency evaluation, employee surveys, teamwork assessments, staff engagement measures, supervisor observations, and patient safety indicators. Because the project was not implemented, these measures will evaluate effectiveness if adopted.

Findings indicate that RCHS should prioritize Communication Training as a sustainable organizational improvement strategy. If implemented, recommendations will include continued leadership support, ongoing coaching and reinforcement, periodic evaluation, and integration of communication practices into daily operations. These actions are expected to strengthen collaboration, employee engagement, coordination, and patient safety while supporting long-term organizational improvement.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice

Concentration

Curriculum and Teaching

Language

English

Download
Share Feedback

Share

COinS