Problem
3M Company with a reputation of excellence in quality have leveraged this reputation by organizing separate strategic business units to market consulting and training services. The Management Services Division of 3M has clients ranging from airlines to educational institutions. Labeled as "'masters of innovation", the company has been noted over time as a quality manufacturer of over 50,000 products worldwide.
A central idea of 3M's total quality system, called "Managing Total Quality" (MTQ) is the "Vision for Success" the key may be the motivating force being the MTQ success. Following the examples of 3M a number of hospital clients of 3M have drafted new mission statements as the basis for a quality management system.
The president of L.G Health care system is of the opinion that too many mission statements read alike and are general in nature. For example, a mission statement read like "we are going to deliver a high quality care at the lowest possible price". This type of mission statement does not spell out anything about hospital's mission in the market. The Mission of L.G Health care system reads as below: "The purpose of L.G Health care system is to provide quality health care and high rated services. We are committed to the comprehensive approach that effectively and efficiently meets the needs of the individuals, families and the community including those who are more vulnerable.
Our mission which is an expression of our philosophy of Human Ecology, demands that our practices demonstrate concerns for the whole person body, mind, emotions, spirits and relationships as fundamental to every human counter. We encourage the adoption of this philosophy through services, research, charity advocacy and example.
In addition to Health care system, St Luke's Medical center and S.C Baptist Hospitals are other health care centers that have adopted Total Quality Management based on the MTQ process of 3M. Each admits that TQM is necessary in light of ever increasing health care costs and steadily decreasing federal funding of Medicare and Medicaid. Employee involvement is a primary characteristic of TQM and the 3M system. Because participation by all individuals ranging from the nursing staff to administration to environmental services - is strongly encouraged, each employee is empowered to make decisions and initiate service goals without first having to pass ideas through several levels of authority. Because it is important to involve all constitutes, steering committee members are composed of hospital volunteers and employees, patients and physicians. This broad mix of input providers ensures that all constitutes has a voice in the quality process.
Task
• Would L.G health care system's mission be appropriate for a for-profits hospital? Explain.
• Will mounting pressure for health care cost s make it more difficult to implement TQM? Explain.