title: Study of relationship between the organizational structure and market orientation from the viewpoint of nurse managers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Considering globalization of health care and quality improvement trend to respond to competition and customer orientation, attention to organizational structure and its relationship with market orientation is essential. Therefore, this study reviews the relationship between organizational structure and market orientation in selected hospitals of Isfahan (Iran).
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a descriptive survey. The study population comprised nurse managers from selected hospitals (n = 80). Data collection tools were two questionnaires (market orientation questionnaire and organizational structure) that the validity and reliability were confirmed (r = 0.83 for market orientation questionnaire and r = 0.87 for organizational structure). SPSS (Ver. 16) software was used for the analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean score of organizational structure was 65.4 (11.2) and total mean of market orientation was 51.14 (17.6). All aspects of the organizational structure (Organization Centralization, Formalization in Organization, and Organization Complication) and market orientation (responding to competition, accountability, customer satisfaction, intelligent organization)-except by responding to clients with Formalization in Organization-as well as all aspects of the Systemic attitude (the system of internal coordination and communication systems_ and market orientation (responding to competition, accountability, customer satisfaction, intelligent organization), there was a meaningful relationship (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Market orientation and its dimensions have a significant relationship with organizational structure and can lead managers' view to the analysis and recognizing elements of success and achievement to goals. With increasing competition in markets, globalization of health services, and presence in international markets and more attention to patients' satisfaction, hospitals need to understand and use of market orientation in order to promote quality and services in the health care system.
authors: Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Mohammadkarim
authors: M
authors: Bahadori
authors: Health Management Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors: Maryam
authors: M
authors: Yaghoubi
authors: Department of Healthcare Services Management, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Marzieh
authors: M
authors: Javadi
authors: Department of Healthcare Services Management, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
authors: Zahreh Agha
authors: ZA
authors: Rahimi
keywords: Hospital; market orientation; nurse manager; organizational structure