What strategy should a hospital manager consider to effectively change the hospital's culture in response to competition?

Establishing a merger with a healthcare facility can be a strategic way to effectively change a hospital's culture in response to competition for several reasons. A merger can bring together resources, expertise, and best practices from both organizations, creating a new culture that aligns with the needs of a competitive market. This strategy allows for a comprehensive integration of services and operational efficiencies, which can lead to improved care delivery and a more innovative approach to patient services.

Furthermore, through a merger, the combined entities can capitalize on economies of scale, which enhances their ability to compete effectively in a crowded marketplace. This often leads to a shift in organizational culture towards collaboration and innovation, fostering an environment that is more adaptable to the challenges posed by competition.

While implementing training programs, reducing operational costs, or enhancing patient services are all important aspects of hospital management, they tend to focus more on incremental improvements rather than a holistic transformation of the hospital’s culture. A merger, on the other hand, provides an opportunity for a complete cultural shift and strategic realignment in response to competitive pressures.