Frontiers: Morally Managing Executive Mistakes

Lead article by Paul B. Hofmann, Dr.P.H., FACHE

Softbound, 49 pp, Spring 2002, ISSN 0748-8157
Order code: WWW1-J470,
Price:$29.00

Medical errors in hospitals and other healthcare organizations have received widespread public attention, yet administrative errors committed by managers and executives have gone largely unnoticed. How are these mistakes made, and can anything be done to decrease their frequency? The decisions executives and board members make can have a large impact on the community they serve. One ill-advised decision may lead to staff unemployment or underserved patients.

In his lead article, Paul B. Hofmann speaks to two critical issues concerning administrative mistakes. The first is how executives may improve their decisionmaking skills by using ethical reasoning; the second point is illustrated through a series of thoughtful recommendations that can help executives make better reasoned ethical decisions.

Commentators John Griffith, Benn Greenspan, and Courtney Campbell add to the morality and management discussion by contributing their unique perspectives and suggestions for reducing administrative errors.