Information processing theory: implications for health care organisations

Health care organisations have seen exponential growth in the volume of internal and external information which pertains to their operational survival. As such, health care administrators must find ways to manage this flow of information and minimize uncertainty. This paper examines the options available to health care organisations in light of Galbraith's information processing theory. Several structural modifications are discussed and analysed, with vertical and horizontal information systems (including both intra-organisational and inter-organisational systems) offering the best opportunity for future enhancement of information processing capabilities.

Keywords: organisational effectiveness, licensing agencies, vertical/horizontal systems, healthcare, information processing theory