Differentiating between average and high-performing public healthcare managers: implications for public sector talent management

Leggat, Sandra G., Liang, Zhanming, and Howard, Peter F. (2020) Differentiating between average and high-performing public healthcare managers: implications for public sector talent management. Australian Health Review, 44 (3). pp. 434-442.

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View at Publisher Website: https://doi.org/10.1071/AH19087
 
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Abstract

Objective: Ensuring sufficient qualified and experienced managers is difficult for public sector healthcare organisations in Australia, with a limited labour market and competition with the private sector for talented staff. Although both competency-based management and talent management have received empirical support in association with individual and organisational performance, there have been few studies exploring these concepts in the public healthcare sector. This study addresses this gap by exploring the perceived differences in demonstration of core competencies between average and higher-performing managers in public sector healthcare organisations.

Methods: Mixed methods were used to define and measure a set of competencies for health service managers. In addition, supervisors of managers were asked to identify the differences in competence between the average and high-performing managers reporting to them.

Results: Supervisors could clearly distinguish between average and higher-performing managers and identified related competencies.

Conclusions: The consistent pattern of competence among community health and hospital public sector managers demonstrated by this study could be used to develop a strategic approach to talent management for the public healthcare sector in Australia. What is known about this topic?: Although there are validated competency frameworks for health service managers, they are rarely used in practice in Australia. What does this paper add?: This paper illustrates the perceived differences in competencies between top and average health services managers using a validated framework. What are the implications for practitioners?: The public health sector could work together to provide a more effective and efficient approach to talent management for public hospitals and community health services.

Item ID: 68166
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1449-8944
Keywords: Competency, Management development, Performance management
Copyright Information: (C) AHHA 2020
Date Deposited: 16 Jul 2021 03:05
FoR Codes: 42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420309 Health management @ 50%
42 HEALTH SCIENCES > 4203 Health services and systems > 420311 Health systems @ 50%
SEO Codes: 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280112 Expanding knowledge in the health sciences @ 50%
20 HEALTH > 2004 Public health (excl. specific population health) > 200499 Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified @ 50%
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