The layers of hierarchy between a senior leader and a middle manager continue to peel off in many industries, including healthcare. Using information gleaned from the Internet, contrast the role and activities of a senior leader with those of a middle manager. If possible, interview a senior leader and a middle manager.

Questions

1. What are the typical responsibilities of a senior leader? 

2. What are the typical responsibilities of a middle manager? 

3. How is a senior leader rewarded and recognized? How do these acknowledgments differ from those received by a middle manager?

Suggested Readings for Exercise

• Henri Fayol’s span of control theory may be found in any organizational behavior textbook. An excellent summary can be found at www.stybelpeabody.com/newsite/pdf/ceotime.pdf.

• Amy McCutcheon and Ruth Anne Campbell’s “Leadership, Span of Control, Turnover, Staff and Patient Satisfaction.” This article discusses the relationships among span of control, employee turnover, and patient satisfaction. See http://stti.confex.com/stti/inrc16/techprogram/paper_23430.htm.