Comparative Study of Health System Management Development Assessment Models in Selected Countries

Introduction: Management development assessment helps managers to systematically assess the current management capabilities of their organization and take critical steps to strengthen the management skills and sustainability of their organizations. This study aimed to identify and compare the health system management development assessment models in selected international organizations and countries. Methods: In this cross– sectional comparative study, management development assessment models developed and implemented by management sciences for health (MSH), international development research center (IDRC), United States, England and Iran were studied using library resources, websites and email communication with experts from Iran and other countries during 2005-2006. After systematic review of the models, seven major characteristics of them selected for comparative study. Data collected using comparative tables derived from systematic review. The tables were validated by management experts from Tehran universities. Then, the characteristics of the models were compared and analyzed. Results: Studied models had common main objectives but there were differences between them in terms of structure, management areas being assessed, management indicators and use of results. All of these models emphasized employee involvement in management development assessment process in order to be effective in improving the management capabilities of the organization. Conclusion: In all these models management development assessment is considered as the first step in change process and improvement the management systems. Considering that the efficiency and effectiveness of health care system directly influenced by managment capacity of health system, recommendations for management development of Iran health system are presented based on the experiences of international organization, particulary the world healyh organization. Keywords: Organization and Administration; Assessment; Development.