To Seek Program Accreditation, Innovation, or Both?—Examining the Interdependencies in High-Reliability Health Care Organizations

Abstract In dynamic markets, organizations have to be ambidextrous adapt constant change. Simultaneously, are increasingly required adopt quality management accreditation. Standardization through accreditation bares the risk of limiting an organization’s capabilities. this study, we aim evaluate determinants organizational decision-making seek and pursue innovation activities, whether activities help reach their strategic goals, if affects ability achieve ambidexterity. We explore these relationships in high-reliability health care organizations. conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 physicians 14 managers hospitals that provide specialized cancer Germany. inductive grounded theory approach, develop a conceptual model relationship between activities. find engaged both financial goals. For smaller hospitals, was necessary condition able compete market environments. Regardless competition, benefitted from positive effect on incremental process product innovation. larger obtaining acquire additional funding, but influence limited because were already being pursued high intensity. Ideally, program can aligned superior performance Organizational decision-makers must align while taking account costs benefits. Policy makers support access by setting incentives