[Satisfaction with the management in hospital wards: a study of related variables]

The purpose of the study was to find out the kind of management that satisfies the ward personnel. Based on the employees' satisfaction with the management in the ward, two groups were formed: 'Satisfied wards' (7 wards in which the personnel were exceptionally satisfied with the management, n = 124) and 'Other wards' (8 wards with not so satisfied personnel, n = 186). In the questionnaire survey, the employees in the 'Satisfied wards' reported more possibilities to participate in decision making, better communication in the ward as well as with other units, more innovative activities in the ward, and more managerial support, than did the employees in the 'Other wards'. There were no significant differences between the 'Satisfied' and 'Other wards' in the structure or number of employees in the ward, in clarity of goals and processes, or in the employees autonomy.