Influence of the Organisational Environment on Challenging Behaviour in People with Intellectual Disabilities: Professionals’ Views

Background: We examined the influence of the organizational environment on chal‐ lenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities to increase understanding of the quality of support services for people with intellectual disabilities. Method: Twenty‐one professionals and managers from four specialized Dutch disa‐ bility service organizations were interviewed. Data were analysed with a grounded theory approach, using Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory as a sensitizing frame. Results: The organizational environment (i.e., vision, values, sufficient resources) is related via the support service (i.e., providing stability, constant awareness) to resi‐ dents’ challenging behaviour and is also linked directly to challenging behaviour (e.g., living environment, values). Organizations are restricted by national regulations, neg‐ ative media attention and changing societal values, which negatively influence qual‐ ity of support. Conclusions: The creation of a supportive organizational environment for staff, who in turn can provide quality support services to residents with demanding care needs, was found to prevent challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities.