A study on hospital strategic management: A case study of a large southern Taiwanese regional hospital

Objectives:

This study is intended to apply strategic management techniques to assist the case hospital in conducting an analysis of its management strategy. The findings can then be used for future strategic reference.

Methods:

This study used Mixed Method Research, combining the qualitative method of focus group interviews and the quantitative method of survey questionnaires. The means of data collection were focus group interviews and survey questionnaires. The primary subjects of research in the former were first-, second-, and third-level hospital managers, with 44 in total. In the latter, we selected 300 hospital employees for surveying through the stratified random proportion method. The data collected was analyzed statistically using SPSS14.0 software. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. In addition, we used a TOWS Matrix in a consensus camp activity to produce management strategies.

Results:

Hospital mission and vision remained the same, while core values were corrected to “respect life and view the sick as family.” We found through focus group interviews, survey questionnaire analysis, and use of TOWS Matrix analysis that hospital management strategies can make use of strategy alliances, penetration strategy, internal development strategy, relevant and unrelated diversification strategy, product enhancement and product development strategy.

Conclusion:

Choice of hospital management strategy can be viewed as a direction and basis for hospital activity. Whether or not selection and application is appropriate directly affects performance and future development of a hospital.