The Application of Management Theories in The Field of Nursing

Nursing plays a pivotal role in healthcare, and effective management and leadership are essential to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. Nurses, irrespective of their levels, have the opportunity to display leadership qualities that empower both themselves and their colleagues to attain organizational goals. This essay delves into the relevance and application of classical management theories within the context of nursing and healthcare management, particularly focusing on the scientific and administrative management theories. We will explore how these theories can be integrated into healthcare practices to enhance patient care and optimize resource utilization.

One of the foundational works in classical management theory is "The Review of Classical Management Theories" by Mahmood, Basharat, and Bashir (2012). This article provides a comprehensive overview of classical management theories, which encompass scientific and administrative theories. Scientific management aims at optimizing workflows and task efficiency, while administrative management emphasizes the coordination of various elements within an organization (Mahmood, Basharat, & Bashir, 2012).

The classical management theories are highly pertinent to nursing and healthcare management due to the specific challenges faced by healthcare institutions. The need for efficient resource allocation, cost reduction, and streamlined operations is paramount in healthcare (Mahmood et al., 2012). These theories offer valuable insights into how healthcare managers can monitor activities and enhance patient care.

To effectively integrate classical management theories into nursing practices, healthcare institutions can establish a well-defined chain of command. This approach ensures that individuals at different levels are responsible for management, coordination, supervision, and implementation of healthcare policies and decisions.

For instance, the principles of scientific management can be employed by conducting time and motion studies to identify inefficiencies in nursing workflows. By optimizing these processes, nurses can reduce the time spent on non-patient care tasks, allowing them to dedicate more time to direct patient care. Administrative management principles can aid in coordinating different departments within a hospital, ensuring smooth operations and effective resource allocation.

Nhema's (2015) study titled "Relevance of Classical Management Theories to Modern Public Administration: A Review" underscores the enduring relevance of classical management theories in contemporary public administration (Nhema, 2015). This research emphasizes that public institutions and modern bureaucracies can glean valuable lessons from classical management theories, further highlighting their applicability in various professional domains.

In conclusion, classical management theories, such as scientific and administrative management, offer invaluable insights that can be effectively integrated into nursing and healthcare management. These theories provide a framework for optimizing patient care, reducing costs, and efficiently utilizing resources. As the nursing profession continues to evolve, the principles of classical management theories remain relevant and adaptable to modern healthcare challenges. By implementing these theories, healthcare institutions can bolster their capacity to provide exceptional patient care and improve overall operational efficiency.