What roles do middle managers play in implementation of innovative practices?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Middle managers play key roles in hospitals as the bridge between senior leaders and frontline staff. Yet relatively little research has focused on their role in implementing new practices.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to expand the understanding of middle managers' influence in organizations by looking at their activities through the lens of two complementary conceptual frameworks.

Methodology/approach

We analyzed qualitative data from 17 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers with high and low potential to change organizational practices. We analyzed 98 interviews with staff ranging from senior leaders to frontline staff to identify themes within an a priori framework reflecting middle manager activities.

Findings

Analyses yielded 14 emergent themes

SUBMITTER: Engle RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5131695 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan/Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature