Focuses on organizational behavior theory and research as the foundation for managerial and leadership interventions in integrated health care systems. Students learn how patient care system behaviors, structures, processes, and outcomes are affected by the actions of health system leaders.
This course proved to be quite a challenge for me. Many of my preconceptions of the role of management changed and I came away with a much clearer picture of the balance that is maintained between accomplishing the mission, complying with regulatory requirements, remaining profitable, and pleasing the employees. One of the projects we completed was to prepare a powerpoint presentation on one of a selection of topics and practice public speaking during an on-campus session. My presentation was on shared governance as it relates to staff empowerment versus the movement to unionize to achieve that same power. We also practiced making mental models of dynamic situations in order to reveal subtle interactions and devise solutions.