Hybrid managers in an evolving healthcare: Does gender matter?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Hybrid managers offer integrated, responsive, and accountable healthcare.
• Existing research on hybrid managers has overlooked the influence of gender.
• Understanding gender's role is crucial for effective healthcare leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how gender influences the managerial roles of medical professionals.
• To explore the specific experiences and challenges of women in hybrid management positions.
• To identify the implications of gender for healthcare leadership and organizational development.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach.
• Semi-structured interviews with hybrid managers in neurology in Italy.
• In-depth understanding of women hybrid managers' experiences.

Main Results:

• Women hybrid managers possess distinct abilities and motivations.
• They encounter unique barriers and lack of opportunities.
• Women hybrid managers are well-positioned to advance professionalism in healthcare.

Conclusions:

• Women hybrid managers are not a homogenous group and have specific characteristics.
• They can drive healthcare evolution towards service integration, user centricity, and staff engagement.
• Findings offer critical insights for health policy and management practices.