Organizational culture in a non-profit animal assisted therapy organization

Abstract

Humans have a strong bond with companion animals. Many studies have indicated that pets have the ability to promote physiological, psychological and psychosocial well-being in humans. However, few studies have focused on the organizational culture of pet therapy organizations. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the organizational culture of a non-profit animal-assisted therapy organization (Hawaii Therapy Animals or HTA) on Oahu and the impact that this organization has had on the community. Observations, field notes and informal interviews were conducted with the organization between 2011-2012. Formal interviews were conducted with 10 HTA members. Hahn's (2003) four levels of coding were used to identify categories and theoretical concepts. I used symbolic interpretivism as my theoretical perspective and analyzed data using Bolman and Deal's (2003) structural, human resource, political and symbolic framework and Martin's (1992) integration and fragmentation perspective. The findings of this study suggested that continued knowledge sharing in an organized manner may help to facilitate long-term effectiveness within an animal-assisted therapy organization as well as expand awareness of the human-animal bond to the general public. Community awareness may help to increase the acceptance of pet therapy programs into facilities, encourage individuals to certify their own pets as therapy animals, and increase donations directed at pet therapy organizations. Pet therapy can be beneficial for individuals confined in facilities because the pet therapy teams bring a piece of the outside world into their lives. Love of animals and benefits that therapy animals provide transcended age and socioeconomic status as similar feelings and emotions were observed from residents, patients and children in various facilities. Results from this study may be useful for individuals interested in the human-animal bond who study animal centered organizations that service health care, retirement and educational facilities. Data from this study may also be used to help devise innovative ways that companion animals can be used to further promote the human-animal bond.