Management in the healthcare industry
Management is a critical component of effective service delivery in the healthcare industry. As such, those in charge must employ strategies that ensure productivity and optimal care. To do this, there is a need to adhere to specific frameworks and guidelines. This entry compares scientific and contingency management theories, recommending the contingency theory for healthcare organizations.
Both are popular theories, widely employed when a need arises to arrive at leadership decisions in healthcare organizations. While Fredrick Taylor’s scientific theory centers on the improvement of workflow, labor productivity, and efficiency, Fred Fiedler’s theory of contingency links flexible managerial behavior to employee productivity. (Nancy & Borkowski, 2015). Taylor focuses on time management, improvement of the manager-worker relationship, cutting operational costs, labor security, and worker efficiency improvement. Fiedler, on the other hand, cites contingencies like technological changes, exterior interest groups, governmental regulations, changes in supply, demand, customer preferences, and employee union influences as most critical to managerial decision making.
Whereas both theories are geared towards the optimization of results while giving allowance for modification and improvement, different approaches are taken in doing so. The scientific method emphasizes role-based scientific training, attitude change, co-operation, and study before implementation. The contingency theory, in contrast, considers the organization’s size, the technology employed and leadership style
(Nancy & Borkowski, 2015). In effect, both arguments are lethal when applied in their right contexts.
Healthcare is a dynamic field characterized by evolving trends that should equally be responded to urgently. Thus, there is need to adopt a flexible and time conscious model. Decision making based on the needs of an organization at a specific time qualifies the contingency management theory for use in a healthcare organization. The scientific theory’s application demands more time for study, which is limited in a healthcare environment where quick decisions are essential to save lives.