title: Organizational characteristics and processes are important in the adoption of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth in child-care centres.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study was to gain an understanding of the organizational characteristics and processes in two child-care centres that may influence adoption of the Alberta Nutrition Guidelines for Children and Youth (ANGCY).
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth qualitative case studies. Data were collected through direct observations, key informant interviews and field notes. Diffusion of Innovations theory guided the evaluation and intrinsic case analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two urban child-care centres in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada identified as exemplary early adopter cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten key informants comprised of directors, junior and senior staff members participated in interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Organizational processes such as leadership, networking and knowledge brokering, health champions and organizational culture positively influenced adoption behaviour in child-care centres. A key determinant influencing organizational behaviour within both centres was the directors' strong leadership. Acceptance of and adherence to the guidelines were facilitated by organizational factors, such as degree of centralization, formalization and complexity, level of staff training and education. Knowledge brokering by directors was important for transferring and exchanging information across the centre. All child-care staff embraced their informal role as health champions as essential to supporting guideline adherence and encouraging healthy food and eating environments.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Organizational processes and characteristics such as leadership, knowledge brokering and networking, organizational culture and health champions played an important role in the adoption of nutrition guidelines in child-care centres. The complex interplay of decision making, organization of work and specialization of roles influenced the extent to which nutrition guidelines were adopted.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Agricultural,Food and Nutritional Science,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Anna P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Farmer
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Agricultural,Food and Nutritional Science,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Hara
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nikolopoulos
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Agricultural,Food and Nutritional Science,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McCargar
authors.affiliation: 3Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berry
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Agricultural,Food and Nutritional Science,University of Alberta,Edmonton,Alberta,Canada.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mager
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D002656:Child Day Care Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Child care; Children; Diffusion of innovations; Nutrition; Organizational processes; Policy