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Auxiliary Flexibility in Healthcare Delivery System: An Integrative Framework and Implications

Author

Listed:
  • Pradeep Kumar

    (Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi)

  • Sasadhar Bera

    (Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi)

  • Tanusree Dutta

    (Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi)

  • Shibashish Chakraborty

    (Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi)

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to conceptualize auxiliary flexibility and identify its sources to provide varied services to the patients. The study aims to explore inter-organizational relationship from a flexibility perspective in the healthcare delivery system. This paper uses case studies based on the semi-structured interview, observation method, and informal discussions with healthcare professionals. In the present study, auxiliary flexibility is conceptualized as a new dimension of flexibility in the healthcare delivery system which provides internal strength to the healthcare organizations to reduce their service variability. Different sources for achieving auxiliary flexibility include outsourcing arrangements, networking, strategic alliances, and collaboration. An integrative framework is developed to establish the relationship of auxiliary flexibility with market-focused flexibility and patient satisfaction. The study is restricted to the findings derived from two hospitals in the Indian healthcare setting. The sample size for the semi-structured interview is limited to senior healthcare professionals. This paper is unique in proposing auxiliary flexibility in the healthcare delivery system and offers new insights to address the gap in the literature regarding how external resources and inter-organizational relationship help in achieving auxiliary flexibility. The framework and propositions presented in the study will guide for appropriate marketing planning and future research. This study provides an overview to shape and redesign inter-organizational relationship to find the different sources of auxiliary flexibility for improved service delivery.

Suggested Citation

  • Pradeep Kumar & Sasadhar Bera & Tanusree Dutta & Shibashish Chakraborty, 2018. "Auxiliary Flexibility in Healthcare Delivery System: An Integrative Framework and Implications," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 19(2), pages 173-186, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:gjofsm:v:19:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s40171-018-0183-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s40171-018-0183-y
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    2. Betto, Frida & Garengo, Patrizia, 2023. "A circular pathway for developing resilience in healthcare during pandemics," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
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    4. Aarti Singh & Ratri Parida, 2022. "Decision-Making Models for Healthcare Supply Chain Disruptions: Review and Insights for Post-pandemic Era," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 130-141, December.
    5. Ramkrishna S. Bharsakade & Padmanava Acharya & L. Ganapathy & Manoj K. Tiwari, 2021. "A lean approach to healthcare management using multi criteria decision making," OPSEARCH, Springer;Operational Research Society of India, vol. 58(3), pages 610-635, September.
    6. Keon-Hyung Lee & Seunghoo Lim & Jieun Moon, 2022. "The Link Between Hospital Competition and Hospital Behaviors in Korea: Competitive Interorganizational Relations," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(1), pages 1-14, December.
    7. Carina Fagefors & Björn Lantz, 2021. "Application of Portfolio Theory to Healthcare Capacity Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-9, January.
    8. Riccardo Aldrighetti & Ilenia Zennaro & Serena Finco & Daria Battini, 2019. "Healthcare Supply Chain Simulation with Disruption Considerations: A Case Study from Northern Italy," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 20(1), pages 81-102, December.
    9. Daniel E. Ufua & Evans Osabuohien & Mercy E. Ogbari & Hezekiah O. Falola & Emmanuel E. Okoh & Adnan Lakhani, 2021. "Re-Strategising Government Palliative Support Systems in Tackling the Challenges of COVID-19 Lockdown in Lagos State, Nigeria," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 22(1), pages 19-32, June.
    10. Carina Fagefors & Björn Lantz & Peter Rosén, 2020. "Creating Short-Term Volume Flexibility in Healthcare Capacity Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-18, November.
    11. Main Naser Alolayyan & Ahmmed Saadi Ibrahem, 2021. "Proposed Mathematical Model to Study and Analyze the Relationship Between Operational Flexibility Dimensions and Hospital Performance," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 22(4), pages 289-305, December.

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