Word Limit 300 Words: Reference APA Style Assessment 1c Disc
Word Limit 300 Wordsreference Apa Styleassessment 1c Discussion
Given the situation that faced the company, do you think the board had an appropriate structure and membership? What changes, if any, would you recommend?
Paper For Above instruction
The governance structure of Southern Cross Healthcare during its crisis period reveals significant concerns about its adequacy in managing the complex challenges faced by the organization. The board comprised six members, predominantly male, with backgrounds spanning industries such as shipping, finance, investment banking, government, and healthcare advisory. While the diversity in expertise was evident, the board lacked representation from senior healthcare professionals or stakeholder representatives directly involved in elderly care. This composition may have limited their insight into operational and clinical issues, potentially impairing strategic decision-making in a highly sensitive sector.
Furthermore, the board's membership appeared to lack sufficient independence, with several members possessing close ties to financial or governmental sectors, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The absence of members with operational or frontline care experience could have contributed to the company's vulnerabilities, especially amidst financial strains and growing service quality problems. The presence of seasoned executives like Jamie Buchan and financial experts such as David Smith provided financial oversight, yet perhaps insufficient emphasis was placed on clinical governance and stakeholder engagement.
Regarding recommended changes, increasing board diversity to include healthcare professionals, elder care advocates, and independent non-executive directors with expertise in care services could enhance strategic oversight. Implementing a more balanced governance structure that combines financial acumen with operational and clinical expertise would likely improve decision-making, accountability, and responsiveness to care standards. Additionally, establishing committees focused on clinical governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management could provide more specialized oversight. Such reforms align with best practices in health sector governance, ensuring that organizational priorities include quality of care and stakeholder interests while maintaining financial stewardship, ultimately fostering resilience during financial and operational crises.
References
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