Shared Governance as A Pathway to Organizational Excellence: A Suggested Strategy for Selected University Hospital

Abstract

Background-Applying a shared governance strategy could develop collaboration between health care personnel, increase their confidence; develop their personal and professional skills; and increase their professional profile and accountability. Purpose-developing a suggested shared governance strategy for Suez Canal University hospital, Egypt: through, measuring shared governance among health care personnel at the hospital, analyzing the shared governance, and developing and validating a shared governance strategy. Design/methodology/approach-a methodological design was utilized to conduct the study. the study sample was composed of 825 health care personnel with different categories (Physicians, Accountants, Nurses, Pharmacists, Dieticians, and Social workers). Index of Professional Governance was used and a suggested shared governance strategy was developed and validated. The fieldwork lasted from April to October 2019. Findings-The study revealed that health care personnel' ages ranged between 30 and 40 years, median 35.0, Their median years of total and hospital experience were 11.0 years. 71.5% of them reported that hospital governance has done primarily by hospital management with some staff input. As well, the highest percentages of them reported the same results regarding all shared governance dimensions. The shared governance among health care personnel at Suez Canal University hospitals was generally low, the hospital had the dominant in total scores of governance 96.6% and all shared governance dimensions. Originality/value-Despite the vast number of published researches that dealt with Shared governance as a decentralized approach that gives nurses greater authority and control over their practice, there is a limited focus in studying shared governance among healthcare personnel as a whole, especially the university hospitals, which represent scientific models in providing ideal care. Recommendations, it is a priority for university hospitals to enhance the application of the suggested shared governance strategy or a suitable governance model that focuses on strong leadership and a sound shared governance infrastructure; for allowing a professional practice environment.

The perception of shared governance and engagement in decision‐making among nurses

“…This finding is consistent with several previous studies conducted in Jordan, Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Korea reflecting those nurses reported their perception of shared governance. [32][33][34][35][36][37] However, the results of some other studies in the abovementioned countries were inconsistent with our findings where nurses' responses corresponded to traditional governance. 38,39 Similar inconsistencies were noticed in Western and international research as well.…”

“…40 Many research studies have revealed lower or borderline values in the shared governance range. 33,36,37 Another explanation might be linked to a lack of transformative leadership and low involvement in shared governance. 42 These discrepancies may be related to the different types of medical institutions and differences in tasks performed and perspectives between nursing staff, depending on position and experience.…”

“…16,27,32,33,37,38,40 The results, however, showed that Jordanian nurses' have the resources to help them demonstrate shared governance in a practice setting; similar to other studies in Jordan and other countries. [33][34][35][36][37] Therefore, the staff has partial formal authority in routine patient care, consulting services, and creating schedules. On the participation subscale, the current results corresponded to traditional governance.…”

“…The same result was found in other studies in Jordan. 32,33 Korea, 37 Egypt, 34,36 and Saudi Arabia. 35 Nevertheless, there is a need to increase nurses' control over their professional practice.…”

“…This is consistent with other studies. [32][33][34][35][36][37] Engaging nurses in decision-making, job redesign, and conflict resolution might boost their empowerment. 39 As a result, nurses require additional knowledge and training in conflict resolution tactics to increase their ability to advocate for patients and offer high-quality treatment.…”