Comparison of Conflict Level among Administrative Department Staff between Newly Established and Existing University Hospitals

신설 대학병원 행정직원과 기존 대학병원 행정직원의 갈등수준 비교 분석

The purpose of this study is to assess the cause and level of conflict arising within and between departments among administration office workers who work in a recently established tertiary hospitals of a major cooperation or related non-profit cooperation: The study also aimed to find methods for resolution of such conflicts by comparing with other existing university hospitals. The subject population included 299 business administration office workers randomly selected from two cooperate related tertiary hospitals of less than 3 years in its existence and two university hospitals over 700 beds in Seoul and Kyong In area. Data were collected through a survey questionnaire. To define related factors for the level of conflict among departments in each hospitals multivariate regression analysis was conducted. Independent factors were characteristics of subjects, conflicting factors within and between the departments. The results are as follows: 1. Those in the 30-39 rears of age group demonstrated significantly higher level of conflict between departments. Those working in the new hospitals, who were older and had long-term tenure, and those with short-term job experience at current working hospital had higher level of conflict between the departments with statistical significance. 2. Concerning the involvement of conflicting factors and the level of conflict in the administration there was statistically significant positive correlation between reliability and job-related intra- and interdepartmental level of conflict in existing hospitals. There was a significant positive correlation between intradepartmental conflicting factors of mutual dependence, difference in goal/orientation and intra- and interdepartmental level of conflict. 3. In multivariate regression analysis, women more than men, and those who had worked for many years in hospitals had statistically significant influence on factors involved in interdepartmental level of conflict, explaining 51.0% of the model. 4. In existing hospitals, gender was a significant factor with women showing a higher level of interdepartmental conflict compared to men. Among the interdepartmental factors, mutual dependence had statistically significant influence and showed a positive relationship with interdepartmental level of conflict. In the new hospitals, job position was a significant factor which showed that those in high position such as section chief or above, compared to those in managerial or general position had higher level of conflict. Among the interdepartmental characteristics, factors of mutual dependence and goal/orientation had statistically significant influence and showed a positive relationship with interdepartmental level of conflict. In the new hospital setting efforts to reduce conflict in areas among workers with high position, old age, and long tenure and those in Purchasing, Material and Computer Department should be made and prudent management and planning for improved manpower and increased budget or efficient allocation and clear definition of job description are necessary to adequately assess and make improved efforts for rapid stabilization of the premature hospital system from its inception, In the existing hospitals a lack of conflict within and between departments may give rise to stagnation or inefficiency of the organization. Future study are needed with respect to the relationship between interdepartmental level of conflict and the effectiveness of the hospital organization for improved resolution of conflict in the organization and hospital management.