Influence of managerial oversight on the performance of public hospitals in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Public hospitals (PHs) worldwide operate better when managerial oversight is in place. This study sought to assess how managerial oversight influences the performance of Embu County PHs in Kenya. The key goal of the study was to establish the use of efficiency, employee satisfaction, and customer satisfaction levels to evaluate performance in PHs. Given the paucity of research in managerial oversight on the administration of PHs, particularly in Embu County, this research addressed management's difficulties in helping County Governments (CGs) develop policies and strategic direction. The theoretical framework for managerial oversight was modeled by goal-setting theory. Using questionnaires, data was collected from 140 respondents. Sixty of the respondents were health professionals and eighty were clients of PHs. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 was used to analyze quantitative data using descriptive statistics expressed as percentages, mean scores, and frequencies. Ms Excel was also used to draw graphs and charts. Utilizing the content analysis method, qualitative data was also analyzed. The major findings showed that 66.7% of health professionals agreed that PHs had successful corporate goals that improved performance. The study recommended that Embu County should further implement corporate goals in PHs to help management develop successful team goals and provide general direction for the organization.