Healthcare management is one of the fastest growing professional fields around the world. Through the effective management of healthcare systems and facilities, every society is enabled to have a positive health status and avoid various health challenges that they may face. Various cases have demonstrated that healthcare managers are among the most critical aspects of any healthcare system. Managers in the health sector are essential in a variety of ways. They ensure that the right policies are adopted, they increase the quality and efficiency of service delivery, and research on other ways of improving healthcare systems ( Byrkjeflot, & Jespersen, 2014) . Dunn and Haimann revealed several management theories that can be used in the healthcare sector in their book called Health Administration. It is therefore important to study and analyze the various management theories presented by Dunn and Haimann and identify the most suitable theory for a healthcare manager.
The Most Effective Management Theory
The most effective management theory among those suggested by Dunn and Haimann is the bureaucratic management theory. The bureaucratic management theory was created to increase productivity in the workplace, improving operational efficiency, and effective communication within the workplace ( Dunn, & Haimann, 2010 ). The theory suggests that healthcare workers possess only physical and economic needs while other needs such as social needs do not affect their performance. The theory is the most suitable for healthcare managers due to several reasons. Foremost, it promotes specialization where healthcare workers are enabled to focus their strengths in areas where they are good at ( Dunn, & Haimann, 2010 ). If a healthcare staff is good at offering care to patients with chronic illnesses, then the theory insists that they must be given the opportunity to explore their strengths. The theory is also important as it promotes centralized leadership where decisions are made from a single point and communicated throughout the organization. A clear line of hierarchy simplifies communication within an organization and promotes effective decision making.
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Furthermore, the theory is ideal for managers in the healthcare sector as it enables the division of labor which simplifies different tasks and enhances the productivity of healthcare workers ( Kitana, 2016) . The division of labor among employees also makes it easier for them to set their own individual goals and work towards achieving them. Such a step increases the operational efficiency of a healthcare system or facility. Through the theory, managers can be able to define the roles of their employees and their tasks clearly. Clearly defined roles reduce the probability of guesswork in difficult scenarios which can be catastrophic, especially in the healthcare sector where the lives of people are at stake. From the analysis of the bureaucratic management theory, it is evident that it is the most efficient among all the other theories discussed by Dunn and Haimann. Through theory, there is better communication and the execution of tasks.
The Description of the Bureaucratic Theory of Management
The bureaucratic theory of management is based on the concept that workers do not have any other needs apart from physical and economic needs. The primary purpose that prompted the creation of the theory was to increase the productivity of workers and the efficiency of operations in an organization. Through the concept, the organization is defined through three main concepts which are a hierarchical structure, specialization, and incentives. The theory suggests that organizations are divided into three main layers of management which are the owners and board of directors at the top, the middle management, and the supervisors ( Dunn, & Haimann, 2010 ). Middle management is responsible for the success of the organization through the supervision of the lower level of management. Supervisors are tasked with carrying out the day to day activities needed for the operation of the organization.
Another aspect of a workplace according to the bureaucratic management theory is specialization. The theory holds that large tasks can be broken down into smaller parts to enable workers to understand better and handle them. According to Byrkjeflot and Jespersen (2014), such a step increases the productivity of workers as they will be able to focus on their areas of expertise and do many tasks within a shorter period. Finally, the bureaucratic management theory suggests that the only way to motivate employees is through monetary incentives. The theory holds that employee will automatically work harder if they are rewarded handsomely through financial incentives. Through monetary motivation, employers can be able to achieve high productivity and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
In their book, Dunn and Haimann presented several management theories that can be well suited for healthcare managers. The most appropriate of the theories discussed by Dunn and Haimann is the bureaucratic management theory. The theory suggests that healthcare workers possess only physical and economic needs and other needs such as social needs do not affect their performance. The theory is vital to healthcare managers as it promotes specialization where healthcare workers are enabled to focus their strengths in areas where they are good at. The theory is also important as it promotes centralized leadership where decisions are made from a single point and communicated throughout the organization. It is evident that classical management theory is the most effective when it comes to healthcare managers due to its advantages.
References
Byrkjeflot, H., & Jespersen, K., P. (2014). Three conceptualizations of hybrid management in hospitals. The International Journal of Public Sector Management, 27 (5), 441-458. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-12-2012-0162
Dunn, R., & Haimann, T. (2010). Healthcare management . Chicago, Ill: Health Administration Press.
Kitana, A. (2016). Overview of the managerial thoughts and theories from the history: classical management theory to modern management theory. Indian Journal of Management Science, 6 (1), 16-21.
