Culture provides the context for strategy implementation. Assumptions, values, and behavioral norms create the everyday work habits and processes for carrying out the work of the organization. As you progress through the next several discussions, think about the near future of healthcare, particularly around the implementation of healthcare reform.

1. First, in your opinion, what cultural influences do you see at work in revising various aspects of the Affordable Care Act now and in the near future?

2. Information systems (IS) are an essential competitive resource for healthcare organizations in an increasingly information-intensive industry. Healthcare systems are increasingly being targeted by computer hackers. Given what you have learned this week, what are the pressing issues for IS?

3. How can a healthcare organization protect itself from malicious computer hacking? How might healthcare reform efforts aid in protecting IS?

For the remaining questions, letàrevisit the Affordable Care Organization from Module 4. You are a manager at a healthcare organization that has spent the past few years planning and developing an Accountable Care Organization. With the recent efforts toward healthcare reform, your organization needs to engage in strategic thinking and planning to stay on top of an increasingly volatile healthcare environment.

Goldsmith, J. (2011). Accountable care organizations: The case for flexible partnerships between health plans and providers. Health Affairs, 30(1), 32-40.

4. Your readings describe the basic building blocks of an ACO. Take one building block of interest to you and describe the financial advantages and disadvantages of this building block.

5. Should the development of your ACO continue or not? Why?