Paternal style leaves mortal wounds

Abstract

In response to a case study in which a federal hospital's 2 top executives scramble to devise a seamless management plan after the ailing director steps down indefinitely, a commentary says there are some troubling omissions in the hospital's case. Kenneth Madsen, chief of administration, fails to articulate the hospital's missions and goals. A clear mission statement is important for employees at all levels of the organization. Ideally, all employees should feel they are contributing to a mission that is sacred. The hospital is in trouble if, in the absence of its director, it cannot prepare competently for an external review of its strategic planning.