Environmental management: principles from quantum theory

Management of the environment is a critical role component for any health care provider. Turmoil, multiple relationships, and new ways of "doing business" characterize today's health care system, and traditional management techniques, based on Newtonian physics may no longer be effective. Principles helpful for managing the current health care environment may be found in quantum theory. These include (1) the world is unpredictable; (2) the intent of the observer influences how the world is seen; and (3) interrelationships are what count, not the things themselves. These principles are derived from the work of Wheatley, who applied the quantum theoretical framework to leadership. Strategies for gaining competence in managing the new environment are explored. Such strategies include shared governance, the process of delegation, and coordination of services. These strategies may be helpful to colleagues in education as well as in practice.