Strategic planning as used by chief executive officers.
In summary, the interviews obtained from this study suggest that CEO's in a variety of industries are attempting to "fit" their strategic planning process to their perceived environmental conditions. Indeed, management thinkers believe the biggest challenge in strategic planning will be turning CEO's into true strategic thinkers. The most successful companies, ultimately, will make strategic planning a high priority and involve all levels of management in the process. Planning becomes the unifying force that directs company actions. Hospital CEO's are obviously becoming more aware of this point as they strive to include all relevant parties (boards, physicians, etc.) in the process. Further, they seem to view planning in the classical sense, that is, as a dynamic, ever-evolving cyclical process more so than their general industry and academic contemporaries. Those hospitals that do develop strategic planning and strategic management have a definite advantage over competitors. Priorities are set and objectives are validated. This, in turn, improves productivity and creates the necessary framework for controlled growth. In addition, planning promotes teamwork and heightens motivation, bringing managers and employees together not only to meet but to exceed company goals.
College of Health and Human Services, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau.
R
R
Boissoneau
P
P
Belton
B
B
Schwahn
D001130:Arizona; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D016542:Chief Executive Officers, Hospital; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D006752:Hospital Planning / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007221:Industry / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009820:Ohio; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010934:Planning Techniques