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Hospital benefits when managers put their heads together
Health Progress (Saint Louis, Mo.)
|March 10, 1988
Summary
Alexandria Hospital implemented a participatory management strategy using a management advisory board to enhance hospital operations. This approach successfully generated new policies and programs, improving employee morale and efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Organizational Psychology
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- Alexandria Hospital sought to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- A need for enhanced employee morale and engagement was identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a participatory management strategy.
- To establish a Management Advisory Board (MAB) as a key driver of improvement.
Main Methods:
- Formation of a 16-member MAB with elected middle managers serving six-month terms.
- Establishment of a process for idea generation from all hospital employees.
- Assignment of accepted projects to committees for development and implementation.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of new policies and programs such as "employee-of-the-year" recognition, standardized uniforms, and disaster plans.
- Introduction of quality circles and management orientation programs.
- Ongoing development of physician orientation and exploration of service opportunities.
Conclusions:
- Participatory management through a MAB can significantly improve hospital efficiency and effectiveness.
- The MAB serves as a successful forum for problem-solving and idea generation.
- The strategy has positively impacted hospital operations and employee engagement.