Advisor(s)
Christy Lemak
Committee Member(s)
Joshua Lee
Larry Hearld
Nancy Borkowski
School
School of Health Professions
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Health Professions
Date of Award
1-7-2025
Degree Name by School
Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) School of Health Professions
Abstract
ABSTRACT Community hospitals (CHs) in the United States are facing significant financial and operational pressures, including narrow margins, declining reimbursements, and prolonged periods of unprofitable care (CDC, 2023; CHQPR, 2023; Morris, 2023). Given their critical role in providing healthcare access and supporting local economies, CHs require effective leadership to sustain performance and avoid closures that would have adverse community impacts (Langabeer et al., 2018). Although research connects CEO attributes with organizational performance across various sectors, there is limited focus on how these attributes impact CHs specifically, where CEOs often play dual strategic and operational roles due to typically lean leadership structures (Alexander & Lee, 1996; Michaelis et al., 2015). This study examined whether CEO characteristics—tenure, functional background, and educational background—were associated with CH performance, drawing upon Upper Echelons Theory to explore how leadership traits shape organizational outcomes (Hambrick, 2007; Hambrick & Mason, 1984). Using a matched sample of high-performing and non-high-performing CHs, this research sought to identify traits that could guide CH Boards and selection committees in appointing CEOs who can drive success in this challenging sector. The study found no statistically significant relationship between tenure as a CEO, functional background, or education and CH performance. These results suggest that traditional metrics alone may be insufficient indicators of effective leadership in the CH context. Instead, factors such as system affiliation, leadership style, and emotional intelligence may hold greater relevance in influencing CH outcomes. Conclusion: Traditional CEO characteristics may serve as a solid foundation for attaining the CEO position, offering essential qualifications and insights. However, the unique challenges facing community hospitals may require leaders to go beyond these traditional traits, demonstrating broader competencies, adaptive capabilities, and innovative approaches to achieve sustained success. Future research should investigate psychological traits and external factors, like system affiliation, to offer a more holistic understanding of leadership’s impact on CH sustainability and performance.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Pilcher, Michael, "Ceo Characteristics And Performance In U.S. Community Hospitals" (2025). All ETDs from UAB. 7307.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7307
