Management in Healthcare

The specific activity of a manager may be involved in is likely to vary from one organization to another, as well as between periods within the same organization. The sum total of management in an organization tends to be relatively stable, however.

The same managerial functions are carried out, although circumstances, organizational needs, and personalities dictate which of these functions predominates at any given time.

The Functions of Management
Planning
Planning involves those activities associated with objectives setting, policy making, and developing strategies for attaining objectives within the organizational policy framework.

Organizing
Organizing is the function of determining what activities shall be carried out in the organization, how these activities should be grouped, and who shall have the authority and responsibility for carrying out these activities.

Staffing
Staffing involves getting the right people for the jobs and then developing their skills.

Directing
Directing involves using a management position to guide, persuade, or coach subordinates.

Controlling
Controlling is concerned with the measurement of performance against some predetermined standard. Two elements must come together if the manager’s control is to be effective: there must be standards, and there must be information systems to indicate the progress that is being made toward attaining those standards.

Coordinating
The most successful coordinators are those with real or apparent authority, a total commitment to the program, or extraordinary skills as a persuader.

Representing
Representing is being the spokesperson for the organization on the outside.