Alignment of Perceived Competencies and Perceived Job Tasks among Primary Care Managers

Abstract

In this study we aimed to explore how managers in primary health care (PHC) organizations assess their managerial knowledge and skills, as well as the importance of these competencies for their job, and to identify whether there is an alignment between these two perceptions; therefore, whether there is a need for management competency improvement. With this study, we tried to address a high demand for information about health managers, especially in health systems in low- and middle-income countries. In a sample of 58 primary health care centers (n = 106 managers) in Serbia, we used a basic managerial competency matrix consisting of the following six competencies—communication, team-building, planning and priority-setting, performance assessment, problem-solving, and leading. Managerial perception of the importance of their job tasks differs by educational level and managerial position. The best alignment between the importance of knowledge and skills was for communication and leading. The study pointed out that managers were aware of the necessity to improve their level of managerial competencies, particularly in the domains of planning and priority-setting, performance assessment, and problem solving. The study highlights the need for formal managerial education for managers in PHC settings and commitment to continuously evaluate and improve management competencies in order to better manage PHC.

Core Competencies Elements Among First Line Nurse Managers at Port-Said Governmental Hospitals

“…According Azizollah, et al, (2016)'s study, their studied (FLNMs) reported that the most important role of them is assessment and intervention skills, however, other study by Dikic, et al, (2019) declared that the (FLNMs) perceived a team building as the most important competency for successful management.…”

“…On other hand, studies carried by (Menshaly, &Pillay, &2008;Fassett, Hore,& Lancashire, 2009;Dehghani, Nasiriani, & Salimi, 2016) found that some of the FLNMs) weren't well prepared for their role and responsibilities and there was a need for increasing their competencies. In addition, Dikic, et al (2019) reported that the (FLNMs)…”

Financial sustainability strategies of public primary health care centres in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

“…Raising economic awareness of clinicians and building favourable attitudes toward cost‐effective prescribing policies is needed for a wider engagement of clinicians in cost‐containment efforts 25 . Previous assessments have confirmed that managers of PHC facilities in Western Balkans countries need a broad range of competencies, including those in the financial management domain, while often working without the required practical problem‐solving skills 26,27 …”

“…25 Previous assessments have confirmed that managers of PHC facilities in Western Balkans countries need a broad range of competencies, including those in the financial management domain, while often working without the required practical problemsolving skills. 26,27 The study identifies strategies that managers of public PHC centres in the RS use to achieve financial sustainability in the centres. The findings can inform the development of a training program for managers that is tailored to the context in which the centres operate.…”

Perceived importance of competencies by nurse managers at all levels: A cross‐sectional study

“…Multiple factors have been reported as relating to the perceived importance of managerial competencies. Dikic et al (2020) reported that education level is an important characteristic for aligning the perceived level of importance and perceived com- 1. To identify the importance and mix of the three skills in Katz's model as perceived by nurse managers for their current job at different levels, as well as to compare similarities and differences between them.…”