Assessing production characteristics, influential factors and administrative policies in a multicenter dental organization

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn multicenter service organizations, managers often make centralized decisions without considering the effects of differing production characteristics and influential factors on each center.MethodsIn this study, the author examines differences in production characteristics and factors that influence production, as well as their likely effect on policy formulation, in a large, six-center dental group in the Chicago area.ResultsThe results of the study show that the six centers (in two groups) exhibited two distinct production patterns, with three having logarithmic distributions and three having normal distributions. Production differences between the groups likely resulted from differences in managed care, staffing and dental procedures performed.ConclusionsInstead of being monolithic, the organization exhibited two types of centers, each with its own production characteristics and factors that influenced production.Practice ImplicationsThe study results suggest that large service corporations and partnerships would benefit from conducting analyses of production characteristics and factors that influence production before making policy decisions that affect the entire organization.