The application of strategic management theory in global public health: towards a model of health determinants, health status and interventions

Author： Foster-Pedley Jonathan Lerer Len

Publisher： Inderscience Publishers

ISSN： 1368-2156

Source： International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, Vol.1, Iss.1-2, 2003-06, pp. : 148-167

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Abstract

The application of strategic management theory in the public health sector has almost exclusively focused on re-engineering health systems and the pursuit of efficiency. We aim to explore the application of conceptual strategic models to health determinants, health status and interventions in order to provide a more systemic, innovative foundation for future debate on the renewal of initiatives for global health promotion. A putative model based on the Porter "Diamond of National Competitive Advantage" and the Brandenburger and Nalebuff "Value Net" is used to demonstrate the linkages between major sectoral health determinants and health status. It is argued that this model demonstrates interaction between economic, demographic, environmental and health system related health determinants, and health status. In an attempt to provide a foundation for appropriate interventions, a second model, based on the relationship between disparity and equity in the broad domains of risk, resources, prioritisation and outcomes, is explored. Our model goes some way towards demonstrating the utility of "generic" management theory in global health. As such, it may make some modest contribution to broadening the interface between traditional business disciplines, such as strategic management theory and public health.