Abstract
Background and objectives : This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of managers of hospitals in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in the field of strategic planning that was done in 2013. The complexity of the changing environment and needs of the society requires strategic thinking, planning and strategic action. The current study explored this issue in teaching hospitals as the key bottlenecks of the health system.
Material and Methods : This was an analytical cross-sectional study. Sudy population included 57 individuals selected by sensus method that 39 accepted to participate in the study. Data collection was done by questionare and data were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson correlation, independent T-test and post hoc Tukey test.
Results : Managers' awareness about developing strategic planning and their attitude towards the developing and implementing strategic planning were good and positive. Between knowledge and attitudes and between knowledge and management training records in management and strategic planning of managers was a direct and significant relationship. Educated managers compared to managers who were educated in other disciplines and managers with master degree compared to managers with a bachelor's degree often had more awareness of how strategic planning are developed and implemented.
Conclusion : Average awareness of manager about strategic planning along with positive attitude towards the developing and implementing strategic planning and understanding importance of it indicates the need for combined strategies to increase their awareness. Service training for management and strategic planning has an important role in raising managers’ awareness in this field. Also, the fact that educated managers in the field of management are often more aware in the developing and implementing strategic planning reflects the importance of employing experts in managerial post and developing strategic planning.