Residents’ and resident representatives’ perspectives on the influence of the organisational environment on challenging behaviour

Background: This study explored the perspectives of residents of residential disability service organisations and resident representatives on the influence of the organisational environment on challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Method: Sixteen residents and representatives from four specialised Dutch disability service organisations were interviewed. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach, with a sensitising frame based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory. Results: Some organisational factors (e.g. staff turnover, insufficient finances) can have negative effects on interactions among residents and staff and family members, resulting in more challenging behaviour, but other organisational factors (e.g. shared vision, values and expectations, competent staff) can positively influence staffs’ attitudes and actions, which in turn helps to manage challenging behaviour in people with ID. Conclusions: Residents’ and representatives’ perspectives provide a better understanding of the positive and negative influences of the organisational environment on challenging behaviour in people with ID.

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