Effect of Managerial Competencies on Hospital Management Practices: Basis for Capacity-Building Program in Government Health Institution

Abstract

Quezon Province, being one of the Universal Health Care Implementation Sites, requires integrated assessment of factors and indicators within the public healthcare facilities to provide data relevant to public policy and administration initiatives. Managerial competencies and practices research are numerous; however, only a few studies explore its application in government facilities in the Philippines. This descriptive-quantitative study examined the relationship between the self-assessed competencies of 70 managers, who are members of each hospital management committee, from 14 Level I government hospitals and their perceptions of the hospitals' management practices. Managerial competencies were assessed across visionary leadership, strategic thinking, negotiation skills being the least dominant, and team-building/interpersonal skills being the most dominant. Hospital management practices were evaluated in terms of management and leadership, finance, service delivery, with highest score, and human resources with lowest score. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all dimensions of managerial competencies and hospital management practices. However, ANOVA showed no significant difference in overall managerial competencies based on managers’ demographic profiles, suggesting a relatively consistent baseline across institutions. Based on the findings, enhancing the managerial competencies has a significant positive effect on the perceived quality of hospital management practices of government health institutions. The consistent competency levels across hospitals highlights the potential for a province-wide capacity-building program. Thus, this study proposes such program, that focuses on strengthening identified areas of lower competency and leveraging existing strengths to improve overall health facilities management practices. Enhancing the effectiveness of Level I Government Hospitals in Quezon Province necessary to improved service delivery, contributing to the success of Universal Health Care and equitable access to healthcare for communities in Quezon Province.