Perceived important managerial competencies for healthcare managers at a tertiary healthcare institution in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Management in healthcare industry has evolved over the years. There is increasing need for healthcare managers to acquire new skill sets particularly those related to strategic planning and business management. Aims: We sought to determine managerial competencies perceived as importsnt for healthcare managers in a tertiary healthcare institution in Calabar, Nigeria. Methods: A structured questionnaire (modeled after the Health Leadership Alliance competency questionnaire) was selfadministered to 266 randomly selected managers comprising 5 strategic managers, 53 middle managers and 208 operational managers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 266 managers were included in this study with a M: F ratio of 1.3: 1. The findings of this study showed that operational, middle and strategic managers rated 27, 37 and 46 of the competencies as contributing significantly with a mean rating of ≥ 4. Important/essential competencies differed between the three tiers of management. Competencies related to financial/business management were not considered very important. The result from qualitative arm synchronized with the quantitative arm to some extent, and provided insight to the managers' perspective. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlights the incongrous paradigm between managerial level and perceived important management competencies and supports the belief that there is inadequate managerial capacity especially those related to financial/business management.

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

“…In comparison with previous studies (Dikic et al, 2020;Okonkwo et al, 2020;Santri c-Milicevic et al, 2010), the importance perception of managerial competency was more likely to be related to managerial level but less to other confounding factors. The higher their managerial level, the more nurse managers can realize the importance of being equipped with essential managerial competencies.…”

“…The perceived importance of competencies appeared to be more related to years of experience in management but less related to education level and managerial position. Using a structured tool modelled after the Health Leadership Alliance competency questionnaire, Okonkwo et al (2020) surveyed a total of 266 health care managers in three tiers (5 strategic‐level, 53 mid‐level and 208 operational‐level) regarding perceived important managerial competencies. Of the 46 competencies reported, no statistically significant differences were found in the mean scores on 44 items among the different groups.…”

Reviewing business analytics in healthcare management: USA and African perspectives

“…In contrast, Africa can benefit from formalizing small businesses, developing strategic cultures, and providing entrepreneurship and business management training to enhance the performance of small businesses in the healthcare sector (Agbobli et al, 2017). Additionally, there is a need to enhance the management capacity of healthcare systems in Africa, particularly by focusing on improving the managerial competencies related to financial and business management (Okonkwo et al, 2019;Sammut & Ngoye, 2019).…”