Cognitive and Behavioral Outcomes of Quality Improvement Teams: The Influence of Leadership and the Work Unit Environment

Abstract

Data were collected from team members and matched controls on continuous quality improvement (CQI) knowledge, perceptions of empowerment, leadership, and constraints within the work unit at two points in time. Supervisors rated the subjects' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and job behaviors related to quality improvement. There was a significant increase in CQI knowledge among team members but no significant changes in perceptions of empowerment, OCB, or CQI job behaviors for either group. Increases in CQI job behavior was related to lower physical constraints within the work environment but greater increases in CQI knowledge.