Health Manpower Management

Mohamed Zairi

1998 Health Manpower Management

doi: 10.1108/09552069810199998pmid: 10346308

This paper, which is presented in two parts, is intended to demonstrate that practices related to the area of human resources management, adopted by model organisations that have dominated their markets consistently, can lend themselves very well to the healthcare sector, which is primarily a “people‐oriented” sector. As change in a modern business context is set to continue in an unrelenting way, most organisations will be presented with the challenge of developing the necessary skills and areas of expertise to enable them to cope with the demands on them, master technological opportunities at their disposal, learn how to exploit modern management concepts and optimise value to all the stakeholders they intend to serve. This paper draws from best practices using the experiences of quality recognised organisations and many admired names through pioneering human resource policies and practices and through clear demonstrations on the benefits of relying on people as the major “asset”. Part I of this article addresses the importance of human resources as revealed through models of management for organisational excellence. In particular, the paper refers to the criteria for excellence in relation to people management using the following prestigious and integrative management models: Deming Prize (Japan); European Quality Award Model (Europe); and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (USA). In addition, this paper illustrates several case studies using organisations known for their pioneering approaches to people management and which led them to win very prestigious quality awards and various international accolades. The paper concludes by reinforcing the point that human resource management in a healthcare context has to be viewed as an integrated set of processes and practices which need to be adhered to from an integrated perspective in order to optimise individuals’ performance levels and so that the human potential can be exploited fully.

Mohamed Zairi

1998 Health Manpower Management

doi: 10.1108/09552069810200003pmid: 10346309

This is part II of an analysis of world class practices adopted by model organisations known for their excellence in terms of people management and their superior competitiveness based on harnessing the potential of their employees. This paper continues by addressing best practices adhered to by organisations using the NASA framework, such as Rockwell Space Systems Divisions. In addition and quite comprehensively, the paper examines the personnel function and how it is managed in Japan. Finally, the paper describes two cases of model organisations and the human resource practices adopted and concludes by drawing some useful pointers that professionals who are in a healthcare setting and who are concerned with human resources can learn from.

Dave Taylor; Brian H. Kleiner

1998 Health Manpower Management

doi: 10.1108/09552069810200012pmid: 10346310

The current health care industry has recently seen a great deal of consolidation in the form of mergers and acquisitions. These mergers and acquisitions invariably result in a loss of jobs. This paper focuses on two strategies that health care companies use to reduce workforce under these circumstances. Specifically, the paper will focus on the mergers between SmithKline Beckman and Beecham plc in the late 1980s, FHP Health Care and TakeCare Health Plans, and PacifiCare’s recent acquisition of FHP Healthcare. It will compare and contrast theory, strategy and practices of these six companies as they endeavoured to merge or acquire each other.

Stephen Oliver; Peter Tonks

1998 Health Manpower Management

doi: 10.1108/09552069810200021pmid: 10346311

The BDC has implemented several team briefing schemes into various NHS organisations over the last seven years. Evaluation over the last three years has highlighted several problems with the team briefing system. The article explores these and suggests ways of overcoming the problems with clear, definable actions. It highlights that the basic team briefing model is sound but that organisations need to consider their commitment and whether the culture is compatible or not with some reinforcement of certain processes which includes training team briefers and having effective feedback as part of the process. The article concludes that team briefing is a useful tool, which can help organisations communicate effectively with their employees.

Jan Freer; Sue Jackson

1998 Health Manpower Management

doi: 10.1108/09552069810200030pmid: 10346312

This article describes the journey of managing the change from seven separate health providing units to one overall team providing a range of services. To facilitate the change the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award self‐assessment model was used. The benefits and limitations of the model are described as are the activities undertaken to achieve a goal of delivering quality care within a customer driven rather than service driven focus. Finally the learning gained from the change is shared in an attempt to help others undertaking a similar journey.