Physician-hospital alignment: A definition and framework grounded in physicians' perception.

Abstract

We draw on agency theory and person-organization fit to define physician-hospital alignment as a physician's perception that their financial incentives, goals, and values and those of their hospital are mutually supporting and reinforcing rather than in conflict with one another. To better understand the nature of the construct and to help guide future research, we present an integrative framework grounded in physicians' perceptions. Our definition and framework set the stage for improved construct validation and more systematic study and management of physician-hospital alignment.