Time management challenges for middle managers: a study in a hospital unit
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37914/riis.v8i1.434Keywords:
time management, leadership, quality improvementAbstract
Background: healthcare units, such as hospitals, are complex and dynamic environments, requiring efficient management to achieve established objectives. Middle leaders play an essential role, and effective time management is key to improving productivity and performance. Objective: the main objective of this study was to investigate whether intermediate leaders at a Hospital Unit, in Portugal, can manage their time effectively. Methodology: the quantitative research used questionnaires applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 19 intermediate leaders. This allowed the analysis of variables such as the establishment of objectives and priorities, the use of time management tools, and the pressure to work overtime. Results: the results did not indicate a significant relationship between the leaders' professional group and time management, nor between years of experience and effectiveness in using these tools. Furthermore, frequent interruptions did not influence the analyzed variables. These results suggest that factors such as professional group or length of experience have a limited impact on time management. Conclusion: the study recommends that training programs focused on transversal skills can be more effective than approaches based on professional profile or experience.
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