IKD: Innovation, Knowledge and Development

Projects

Comparative Governance Arrangements and Comparative Performance: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study

Investigators

Prof John Storey, The Open University (Lead Investigator)
with teams from University College London Hospitals; University of Bath; Cranfield School of Management; Cardiff University
Also from The Open University: Prof Graeme Salaman & Dr Richard Holti; Dr Nik Winchester

Funding

NHS/SDO funded research project 2006-2009

Aims

In recent years much of the reform agenda healthcare in the UK and other countries has been structured around changes to governance. In the light of this, the Department of Health desires to know the answer to a number of questions. What variety and types of governance are in play currently? What difference does 'governance' make? In what ways does governance matter? Are adaptations in corporate/organisational governance required in order to enable fit with the new macro-level governance mechanisms in play at national level?

The purpose of this research is to explore the nature and extent of the linkages between: governance, incentives and behaviour - and the onward link to performance outcomes.

We are studying institutional innovations, structuring, routines, and other methods and processes. Semi-autonomous bodies, the managed market, networks and collaboration, practice-based commissioning, challenge and choice models within the current policy reforms are examples.

We see to clarify:

  1. what national-level system designers intend and expect when they make policy choices affecting organisational forms (and the theories, frameworks and assumptions that underlie these);
  2. how directors, managers, leaders and senior clinicians interpret and respond to the policy message they receive concerning governance;
  3. the organisation and governance design principles used at organisation level;
  4. how healthcare staff perceive and respond to the governance and incentive messages they receive.

Methods

  1. Interviews with policy makers at DH, SHAs, various Regulators
  2. Interviews with policy makers at DH, SHAs, various Regulators

Project contact

John Storey, j.storey@open.ac.uk
For further information please visit the project website.

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