High-performance work systems in health care management, Part 1

Abstract

: Results may help practitioners better conceptualize management practices as part of a broader system of work practices. This may, in turn, help practitioners to prioritize management improvement efforts more systematically.

The Effect of Human Resource Practices on Employee Performance in Hospitals: A Systematic Review

“…The non-material aspect deals with human resource practices, often conceptualized by many of the previous studies as people management or high performance work practices (HPWPs) or high performance work systems (17,22,24) According to some scholars in the field high performance work system (HPWS) is defined as a set of practices within organizations that enhance organizational outcomes by improving the quality and effectiveness of employee performance (2,6). The concept of the practice ''set'' is key to this definition because this line of research is distinguished by its simultaneous focus on multiple practices as well as their complementarities (4,20).…”

“…Moreover, human resource management (HRM) practice is considered as the process of managing work and people in organizations (1,4). High quality of health care performance of service organizations depends on employee performance supported by organizational structure, strategy, people management and utilization of the required organizational resources (5, 6).…”

“…Some studies ignored addressing the structure-process -outcome dimensions of quality management and improvement, the link between HR practice and performance in healthcare remain a "black box". Research from other industries (Automotives, Manufacturing, Textiles, Banking, Steel, etc) has increasingly focused on systems rather than individual practices, has yielded results that may benefit health service management (1,4). The present study might shed light and uncover the back box with fresh approach and information.…”

Using High-Performance Work Practices in Health Care Organizations

“…US hospitals currently face with respect to the need to improve suboptimal care provision and avoid medical errors, 5-7 the possibility of addressing these issues through the use of evidence-based management practices, or high-performance work practices (HPWPs), 8 is undeniably attractive.…”

“…Recently, Garman and colleagues 8 developed a model of how HPWPs could be applied in health care organizations. In this model, HPWPs are defined as "practices within organizations that enhance organizational outcomes by improving the quality and effectiveness of employee performance" 8(p202) and include 4 major subsystems of practices: (1) engaging employees to have a personal stake and awareness of their role in fulfilling the organization's mission; (2) aligning leaders through clear incentives and support for development; (3) developing the workforce through strategic recruitment and development initiatives; and (4) empowering the frontline by supporting staff efforts to improve quality and influence quality outcomes through strategic recruitment.…”