| As the independent nation-states of the former Soviet Union continue to restructure their political and socioeconomic infrastructures as they move from centrally-planned to market-driven economies, healthcare program managers need to utilize more efficient and effective management methods if social and health services are to continue to be provided. Organizational management concepts developed and used in the countries of the West, that is, the United States and the European Union, are being sought for incorporation into these developing administrative systems. Economic impact studies performed by global organizations have recommended that management programs be developed for these countries using Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts because the composition of institutions and their functioning must be reformed, strengthened, and stabilized. Cost-effective management policies and practices by these nation-states are crucial determinants for their integration into the European Union and other global organizations.;This study presents a comparative analysis of healthcare system management of two newly independent nation-states of the former Soviet Union. This study was undertaken in order to determine the strategies for developing a culturally sensitive healthcare TQM/CQI training program adaptable to present organizational management needs of meeting the challenges of an increasingly market-focused economy. This study (1) focuses on what specific CQI concepts are considered important to Lithuanian and Ukrainian healthcare organization managers for borrowing, adapting, and implementing into their hospital's cultural/operating environment; and (2) evaluates general enabling or inhibiting factors for the transcultural adaptation of these concepts to their organizations. General policy recommendations are made considering the operating environments in which such training programs could be delivered and utilized. |
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