Organisational environment and challenging behaviour in services for people with intellectual disabilities: A review of the literature

Background: This literature review explores the relationship between the organisational environment of residential disability services and challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities (ID) using Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory as a theoretical framework. Method: Literature published between 2000–2016 was retrieved, using a scoping study with the search terms ‘intellectual disability’ ‘challenging behaviour’ and ‘organisation’. Results: At all layers of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory, relationships were identified. Organisational aspects affect staff and residents with ID and challenging behaviour ranging from overall disability policy and budget systems (macrosystem), to organisational philosophy, leadership, power structure, staff coaching and working methods (exosystem), to staff beliefs and attitudes (microsystem) and client characteristics (ontosystem). Conclusions: The use of an ecological model for residents with ID and challenging behaviour helps to identify organisational environment aspects that influence challenging behaviour in residents with ID. Understanding organisational environments in terms of their ecology enhances evidence-based provision of quality supports to this population.

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