Analysing the Role of Leadership in Healthcare Management: A Comparative Study of Public and Private Hospitals

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the differential impact of leadership styles on healthcare management effectiveness in public versus private hospital settings across India, with particular emphasis on operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and organizational performance.

Methods: A mixed-methods comparative study was conducted across 24 hospitals (12 public and 12 private) in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai from January 2024 to October 2024. Data collection involved structured questionnaires administered to 480 healthcare professionals, semi-structured interviews with 48 senior administrators, and performance metrics analysis covering 18 months of operational data.

Results: Private hospitals demonstrated significantly higher transformational leadership scores (M = 4.23, SD = 0.67) compared to public hospitals (M = 3.12, SD = 0.84), t(478) = 12.45, p < 0.001. Public hospitals showed stronger bureaucratic leadership tendencies (78% vs. 34% in private hospitals). Patient satisfaction scores were positively correlated with transformational leadership in both sectors (r = 0.76, p < 0.01), though private hospitals achieved higher overall satisfaction ratings (82% vs. 69%).

Conclusions: Leadership effectiveness in healthcare management varies significantly between public and private hospital systems in India. While private hospitals demonstrate superior transformational leadership implementation, public hospitals face structural constraints that limit leadership flexibility. The study recommends targeted leadership development programs tailored to sector-specific challenges and opportunities.