Balancing Integration and Role Delineation in Public Addiction Services: Insights from Northern Italy

Barbara Menara

doi:10.59653/ijmars.v3i02.1613

Authors

Barbara Menara Worcester Business School, University of Worcester, UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59653/ijmars.v3i02.1613

Keywords:

multidisciplinary teams, integration, organisational analysis, addiction services, professional role

Abstract

This study explored the complex dynamics within multidisciplinary organizations involved in addiction treatment services by investigating how professional roles, operational tasks, and systemic challenges interact and affect overall performance and service outcomes. The research was conducted within public services for addictions in Northern Italy, utilizing an ethnographic approach that included participant observation and semi-structured interviews with professionals from various disciplines. An analysis of the organizational system revealed inconsistencies between the intended goals and actual strategies, with a homogeneous approach aimed at increasing the similarities among professional categories. Upon closer examination, this homogeneous approach revealed several challenges including an unclear delineation of professional groups and overlapping responsibilities. Consequently, an excess of integrative work was observed, potentially compromising the system functionality and efficiency. While integration is important, our findings suggest the need to balance integration with other systemic functions and clearly define roles in multidisciplinary settings. By employing an ethnographic approach to public services for addictions, this study provides a novel perspective on organizational structure and its impact on service delivery. The application of Parson’s four-function paradigm to understanding system functionality also offers fresh insights into the complexities of these organizations.

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Author Biography

Barbara Menara, Worcester Business School, University of Worcester, UK

Barbara is a Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior at the University of Worcester with over 15 years of teaching and research experience at UK universities. Her research interests include employee engagement, teamwork, workplace well-being and group dynamics.

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