From cultural cohesion to rules and competition: the trajectory of senior management culture in English NHS hospitals, 2001-2008.
OBJECTIVE
To assess changes in senior management culture in English NHS hospitals between 2001 and 2008.


METHODS
Longitudinal study comprising cross-sectional surveys of board levels managers at three time-points using a validated culture measurement instrument - the Competing Values Framework.


METHODS
English NHS hospital trusts.


RESULTS
There has been a decline in 'Clan' and an increase in more competitive 'Rational' cultures among senior management teams in NHS hospital trusts during the period 2001-2008.


CONCLUSIONS
Government policy for the NHS has espoused the desirability of competition, particularly since 2002. Our data suggest that corresponding changes in the cultures of senior management teams in NHS hospital trusts is beginning to occur, with the expectation that these organizations will pursue more competitive strategies.
Mannion
Russell
R
Centre for Health and Public Services Management, University of York, UK. rm15@york.ac.uk
Harrison
Stephen
S
Jacobs
Rowena
R
Konteh
Frederick
F
Walshe
Kieran
K
Davies
Huw T O
HT
D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015279:Organizational Culture; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*
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