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.