After reading the following scenario, I need to answer two questions listed below.
Scenario:
Greenland Hospital is located in the rural community of Plymouth, which has a population of approximately 8,000. Like many small towns, Plymouth has seen more prosperous times. The oil and milling industries, once staples of the local economy, have long since migrated to other locations. Today, the pride of the community's economic development effort is a new Super 8 Inn and a Walmart.
Plymouth's population once was 15,000 strong with a wide variety of activities for the young and old alike. Having lost the bulk of its economic base, the largest employers are now the school district and the hospital. The surrounding counties are likewise seemingly at an economic low point, with no economic development activities on the horizon. Overall, the four-county region that comprises the core of Greenland's market is classified as a depressed area.
Additionally, the four-county region has seen an influx over the last decade of the African-American and Hispanic populations. While this group represents a very small percentage of the population, it has grown by approximately 40 percent over the last decade. The Caucasian population has seen only a slight decline.
Greenland Hospital is a typical small community rural hospital, licensed for 100 beds. There are approximately 50 staff members. Greenland enjoys strong loyalty from the community, although that number is diminishing as a result of the ethnically diverse trends the area is experiencing.
The senior management team at Greenland is experienced and has been in place for over 10 years. The nursing staff is also very competent and dedicated to the community. As the only healthcare provider in the area, Greenland is committed to providing services to the community but is concerned with a recent decline in utilization numbers.
Questions:
1. What are the primary and secondary cultural issues facing Greenland Hospital?
2. What should Greenland's Senior Management staff do to address these issues?
3. What should Greenland do to integrate with the community more?