Evaluation of the Relationship between Assertiveness, Decision Making Styles and Organizational Learning of Health Managers in Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2018

Background & Aim: Managers are always learning to make critical decisions, and learning organizations emphasize continuous learning to survive in the current competitive environment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between assertiveness and decision making styles and organizational learning of health managers of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, analytical, and correlational study was performed on 200 health managers of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences selected by census sampling. Data were collected using three standard questionnaires of Scott and Bruce decision making style (1995), Gambler and Richie's standard assertiveness questionnaire (1957), and Niefe's standard learning questionnaire (2001). Data analysis was performed on SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA and regression analysis. Results: The mean score of assertiveness (88.24±14.5), decision making style (45.70±9.6), and learning (43.51±7.53) were at an average level. There was a relationship between the mean score of assertiveness with decision making styles and organizational learning (P<0.05). Morevoer, there is an association between the mean score of decision-making styles and organizational decision making, and decision-making styles could predict organizational learning (P<0.05). Furthremore, a relationship was observed between the mean score of assertiveness and organizational learning, and assertiveness could predict organizational learning (P<0.05). Finally, the results were indicative of a relationship between the mean score of assertiveness, decision making styles and organizational learning with some demographic variables (age, gender, type of contract, level of education, and occupational status) (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the level of organizational learning of health managers at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences was related to their assertiveness. Therefore, effective steps could be taken toward the improvement of organizational decisios by familiarizing managers with different decision making styles