Complex challenges in hospital management

Abstract

Hospital managers in Hungary face substantial challenges in their daily operations, primarily due to central regulations, resource constraints, and limited managerial autonomy. Henry Mintzberg's "care, cure, control, community" model highlights the complexity of hospital structures, the duality of leadership roles, and the leadership challenges that arise from this complexity. Utilizing a qualitative research methodology, this study investigates these leadership challenges within the Hungarian context and identifies strategies that leaders can employ to effectively address these issues.

The findings reveal that the most significant challenges for hospital managers include managing scarce resources, navigating an uncertain environment, addressing conflicts inherent in leadership roles, diminishing autonomy, and maintaining employee motivation. To effectively confront these challenges, systemic reforms and a holistic approach are necessary in Hungarian hospitals. Despite the constraints, numerous instances demonstrate managers’ ability to correctly interpret contextual factors, apply sound managerial instincts and experience, and implement effective solutions.

The study provides essential guidelines for hospital managers, helping them make more informed decisions and operate more efficiently in the face of complex organizational demands.