Knowledge Capital and Information Hospital Trustees Need*
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive case study research was to explore the adequacy and utility of knowledge capital (KC) information supplied to nonprofit hospital trustees for strategic decision-making. Interviews with 14 New York area hospital trustees were content analyzed, with seven themes emerging. Five case studies were developed in the form of trustee archetypes: expert advisor, operational skeptic, inquisitor, neophyte, and representative. Results confirmed previous research among corporate CEOs and nonprofit hospital management regarding the supply of detailed, relevant and updated information on nonfinancial, intangible items and resources for better trustee decision-making and hospital performance. Ten practice recommendations are made regarding the preparation of relevant and timely briefing materials that respond to trustee rankings of importance.