Managerial competences in public organisations: the healthcare professionals’ perspective

Abstract

Background: Human resources play a critical role in encouraging efficient performance within organisations, especially for public healthcare organisations, where competences of staff are key aspects of the quality of services provided. In this context, the enhancement of competences are strategic objectives for Human Resources Management (HRM) in order to achieve excellent and lasting results. However, competences of healthcare professionals are both clinical and managerial. This study identifies specific managerial competences perceived as crucial by healthcare professionals in order to improve their performance and develop suitable HRM practices. Methods: The research methodology was divided into three main phases using mixed methods, commencing with literature review to identify the initial framework about managerial competences. Focus groups were then used to discuss evidence from the literature. Feedback from focus groups was used to draft the final questionnaire. Finally, the answers to the questionnaire were analysed through statistical software. Results: The results show that managers and professionals share a view of what specific managerial competences for healthcare organisations should be. Main competences are: quality evaluation based on outcomes; enhancement of professional competences; programming based on process management; project cost assessment; informal communication style; and participatory leadership. Conclusions: Although the issue of managerial skills in healthcare is widely discussed in literature, findings are often fragmentary. Our work includes a systematic literature review useful for more empirical studies. Furthermore, our results can support public managers who want to set up positive HRM practices for healthcare professionals.

Facing the Pandemic: The Italian Experience From Health Management Experts’ Perspective

“…We administered a questionnaire to health management experts to capture their opinion on how the Italian health system and hospitals managed the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have used experts' perspective to have a better understanding of the phenomenon and to identify methods of improvement (Fanelli et al, 2020;Glasner et al, 2013;Tousignant-Laflamme et al, 2020). About 70 health management experts were invited to participate in the survey.…”

Healthcare Provider Competencies: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Although the views of the sample differed, the aim was the same for everybody. In particular, the role in Finland of the manager and the need for training in management skills (Fanelli et al, 2020) are obvious. Study conducted by Sherman et al (2007) to enhance management and leadership capabilities through education and training and the development of a management model.…”

Managing healthcare services: Are professionals ready to play the role of manager?

“…have carried out a systematic literature review to define the domains of competences for middle management in the healthcare sector. 18 They identified 8 main topics: Human resource management, Leadership, Communication, Organizational design, Quality, Analysis (operation and project management), Programming, and Costing. However, other authors have argued that other skills are also relevant to those in a managerial role, including the ability to solve problems or measure results in terms of output and outcome.…”