Hospital management training and improvement in managerial skills: Serbian experience

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the improvement of managerial skills of hospitals’ top managers after a specific management training programme, and to explore possible predictors and relations.MethodsThe study was conducted during the years 2006 and 2007 with cohort of 107 managers from 20 Serbian general hospitals. The managers self-assessed the improvement in their managerial skills before and after the training programme.ResultsAfter the training programme, all managers’ skills had improved. The biggest improvement was in the following skills: organizing daily activities, motivating and guiding others, supervising the work of others, group discussion, and situation analysis. The least improved were: applying creative techniques, working well with peers, professional self-development, written communication, and operational planning. Identified predictors of improvement were: shorter years of managerial experience, type of manager, type of profession, and recognizing the importance of the managerial skills in oral communication, evidence-based decision making, and supervising the work of others.ConclusionsSpecific training programme related to strategic management can increase managerial competencies, which are an important source of competitive advantage for organizations.