Physicians and administrators: inducing collaboration

This article examines conflict between hospital administrators and physicians, which has been exacerbated by prospective reimbursement, rising health care costs, and scarce resources. Within the context of a hospital setting, conflict is viewed as being three phases: frustration, conceptualization of issues and outcomes, and behavior. Once physicians consciously realize conflict exists between themselves and an administrator, they will begin to conceptualize their frustration. Conceptualization leads to various forms of behavior toward the administrator, depending on the physicians' desires to satisfy both their own needs and the needs of the administrator. Use of a systems oversight committee composed of physicians and administrators can help conceptualization occur positively--a key factor in inducing collaborative behavior. Collaboration between administrators and physicians is most beneficial in achieving long-term goals and objectives. To promote collaboration, a physician-administrator oversight committee is proposed to help physicians realize that their success depends on supportive relationships with hospital administration.