| This study compared the perceptions of hospital chief executive officers and quality management directors regarding the implementation of quality initiatives at their hospital, using the Total Quality Management Assessment Inventory questionnaire. Twenty paired responses from a convenience sample of 36 VHA-Michigan hospitals were analyzed. Data and interview analysis found three areas of significant difference between the CEOs and quality management directors: the use of quality tools and philosophy in work processes, employee empowerment to initiate change, and rewards and recognition. Open-ended interviews were undertaken with five quality management directors in an effort to more broadly explain these differences and to develop common themes. Interview responses supported findings from the survey questionnaire analysis. |
