Challenges in the Optimal Management of Human Resources in Hospitals: A Qualitative Study

Introduction:  Optimal management of human resources is considered as a basic and most fundamental principle of management of the health services because manpower is the most important organizational resources. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges in the optimal management of human resources in hospitals. Method: This qualitative study was conducted in hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences and all experts who had sufficient knowledge of the human resources management programs were included. Nineteen participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results:  Three major themes emerged: organizational, motivational, and knowledge-related factors. Organizational factors included lack of up-to-date job descriptions, staff recruitment through university and hospital constraints in the selection of employees, lack of the culture of team working and process attitudes, incomplete establishment of occupational health and safety, and deficiencies in the evaluation system. Motivational factors included absence of a performance-based pay system, lack of communication between evaluation and incentive systems, and lack of motivation and confidence of the staff in solving problems. Knowledge-related factors included old human resources and resistance to change, lack of knowledge, and non-learner hospital environment. Conclusion:  Clear job description, implementation of dynamic organizational culture, safe environmental conditions, performance-based pay system, and directing hospitals towards becoming learning organizations play an important role in reducing the challenges of human resources management.