Hospital Managers Skills Required and Onward Challenges: A Qualitative Study
Abstract Aims: The qualification of managers in terms of management skills is one of the most important factors in the continuous success of each organization and utilizing such skills can have a positive contribution in the effectiveness of the organization while improving the performance of the employees in line with the objectives and goals of the organization. The main objective of the current study was to explore the necessary skills and the challenges of hospital managers from the point of view of managers at different levels of a hospital. Methods: This study is a qualitative one where the statistical population includes the mid-level and senior-level managers of the hospital. The sample size was 22 individuals. The interviews were analyzed by a MAXQDA software application after transcription. Results This study includes 5 main themes and 15 secondary themes. The strategic skill, the perceptive skill, the human relation skill, work experience, and personal characteristics were among the skills necessary for hospital managers. Some of the challenges facing the hospital managers included rapid changes in the policies, the limitations of financial resources, and lack of proportion between the educational and occupational spheres. Conclusion: Because of their existential philosophy and differences with other service sectors, managing hospitals poses a particular sensitivity. In this regard, the role of the hospital manager is very important. Therefore, in order to meet the satisfaction of those receiving services, decision makers, and policy makers must think twice when selecting and appointing hospital managers and evaluate and appraise this group in terms of abilities and skills necessary for managing such an important service section.