Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-1999
Abstract
Perhaps the most difficult job in long term care chain organizations is that of the Regional Manager. This study considers the chronic and acute events with which Regional Managers must contend and determines how they cope with the stresses of those events. Appraisal theories of Richard Lazarus and P-E fit are used to test the actions of the Regional Managers. The events discussed seem to confirm previous research regarding coping in that the more significant the event, the greater the likelihood that others will be solicited to attain a solution. Corporate staffs who assist in the acute events help to keep the focus on problme-solving as opposed to emotion-focused coping. Current Regional Managers appear to have a greater comfort level in working with the staff and view their presence as part of the solution process. Chronic events can grow to acute events if they become pronounced or occur in simultaneously in multiple sites. Acute events appear to have a very personal nature and significantly affect the Regional Manager. For some, the acute event becomes a sentinel event that leads to career and job changes. The gap of regulator and public expectations compared to the industry's ability to meet those expectations has increased. This has lead to a changing paradigm of the competencies required of Regional Manager in order to meet the increased set of demands. These new competencies include: the ability to work within an organizations utilizing the staff forsupport; the ability to use time efficiently; greater clinical insights and abilities; knowledge of an ability to use technology; and, the general applications of business concepts to keep the organziation financially viable. Companies must do a more active job of identifying and developing Regional Managers in order to ensure the future of the enterprise. A series of training and development programs are suggested to improve Regional Manager performance and ability to perform the requirements of the job.
Keywords
management -- research
Rights
© The Author(s). Kelvin Smith Library provides access for non-commercial, personal, or research use only. All other use, including but not limited to commercial or scholarly reproductions, redistribution, publication or transmission, whether by electronic means or otherwise, without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.
Department/Center
Design & Innovation
Recommended Citation
Ferguson, Jeffrey W., "Managers in the Middle: A Study of Long Term Care Regional Managers Dealing with Organizational Stress" (1999). Student Scholarship. 296.
https://commons.case.edu/studentworks/296