Values-based leadership and organizational development during restructuring.

This article highlights the importance of value-based leadership and cultural change, and illustrates how organizational development strategies can facilitate positive learning environments. This is essential during periods of rapid change, restructuring, and downsizing, when the quality of patient care can be at risk. By ensuring a values focus, and a systematic approach to the development of a "learning organization", nurses can be empowered to develop their clinical practice and to lead the redesign of healthcare systems in a more creative and patient-centered way.