Key factors affecting succession planning in the leadership of public hospital in Iran: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

Objective

We aimed to identify the key factors affecting succession planning in the leadership of Iranian public hospitals.

Method

The present study used an exploratory, qualitative design. Fifteen key informants and managers working in public hospitals and the Vice-Chancellor for Development of Iran University Medical Sciences were recruited through purposive sampling. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with participants from May to June 2020. Data analysis was applied parallel with data collection through a content analysis approach using MAXQDA 11.

Results

Based on the interviews and extracted data, the findings were identified in five main themes: (1) Strategic goals and needs assessment in line with the organization's goals, (2) Strategic communication and organizational structure, (3) Talent identification and empowerment, (4) Development and excellence of qualified individuals, and (5) Monitoring of succession planning programs.

Conclusion

It is suggested that public hospitals apply comprehensive support and commitment in implementing succession planning programs. This way, there will be improvements in organizational decisions and policies, and capable and qualified individuals will be used in critical positions. Furthermore, this would also lead to increased work quality, increased personnel motivation, reduced resource wastage, and improved employee career path.

KEYWORDS:

• Succession planning
• succession management‌
• healthcare organizations
• leadership
• managers

Acknowledgements

We would like to present our thanks and appreciation to all the participants in this study, as well as all respective professors and officials at Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, who assisted us in conducting this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Slamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch.

Notes on contributors

Shaghayegh Vahdat

Dr Shaghayegh Vahdat is an Assistant Professor at Department of Healthcare Services Management, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. She received his PhD in Healthcare Management from the Islamic Azad University, Iran. Her research areas are healthcare management, public healthcare, patient safety, quality improvement and others.

Saeedeh Afshari

Saeedeh Afshari is a PhD candidate in Health Services Management, Islamic Azad University. She received his master degree from Iran University of Medical Sciences. Her research focuses on development health managers and human resources for health.

Eiravan Masoodi Asl

Dr Eiravan Masoodi Asl is a Assistant Professor of Health Services Management at Department of Healthcare Services Management, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch. His research interest is mainly on the applications of Operations Research in Healthcare.

Somayeh Hesam

Dr Somayeh Hesam is an Associate Professor of Health Services Management at Department of Healthcare Services Management, Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran. Her research interests include strategic planning, quality managemen, and health management.