Ensuring accountability in decision making. A step-by-step approach applies common sense to complex issues

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Ethics
• Corporate Social Responsibility

Background:

• Effective institutional decision-making is crucial for organizational and community impact.
• Organizational commitment to mission, values, and ethics is defined by its decision-making processes.
• Sisters of Mercy Health System (SMHS) recognized the need for a structured approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a disciplined and accountable corporate decision-making process at SMHS.
• To ensure decisions align with the organization's mission and values.
• To provide a framework for evaluating initiatives and options.

Main Methods:

• Developed a year-long corporate decision-making process, implemented systemwide in 1994.
• Initiated the process with two core questions regarding mission compatibility and advancement.
• Employed a step-by-step approach for evaluating proposed actions against SMHS mission and values.
• Explored decision implications from social vision, responsibility, and self-interest perspectives.
• Considered potential consequences on all affected parties, especially vulnerable populations.

Main Results:

• The implemented process provides a disciplined and accountable technique for decision-making.
• Decisions are evaluated for compatibility with and advancement of the organization's mission.
• Consideration of social vision, responsibility, and self-interest provides a comprehensive perspective.
• The process ensures potential consequences for all stakeholders, particularly the poor and powerless, are addressed.
• SMHS leaders report increased clarity and comprehension in decision-making tasks.

Conclusions:

• The developed decision-making process enhances clarity and comprehension for institutional leaders.
• Values-based decision-making ensures alignment with organizational mission and ethical commitments.
• The structured approach systematically evaluates initiatives, promoting accountability.
• Consideration of diverse perspectives and stakeholder impact leads to more robust decisions.