Leadership and Decision Making Style of George C. Halvorson CEO and President of Kaiser Permanente

Essay by money4meUniversity, Master'sA, June 2004

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Leadership and decision making style are the most important factors to ensure an effective and efficient organization. The subject of leadership has been under a lot of speculation, while philosophers focus on the determinants of leadership effectiveness. There are so many theories, styles and opinions that are associated with effective leadership. The specifics of what makes a leader effective is hard to pinpoint, however one way to evaluate an effective or ineffective leader is to take a close look at the one you work for. For two years, George Halvorson has been the CEO and President of the Kaiser Permanente organization. His leadership and ability to make sound and effective decisions has contributed in Kaiser's success. "In survey after survey, consumers across the country and top media publications including Newsweek, Time and U.S. News & World Report have all named Kaiser Permanente one of the nation's top healthcare providers.

Rankings were based on overall quality, personalized care, physicians and nurses, image and reputation, community health programs and even best Internet advicesite." (www.kaiserpermanente.org)

Leadership and Decision Making Style of George C. Halvorson

CEO and President of Kaiser Permanente

Marlene I. Hodges

March 18, 2004

AMBA 602

Professor Ralph Masi

Introduction

"Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal." (Northouse, 2004 p.3) What can be more vital to a company's long-term health than the choice and development of its leader? In this paper I will analyze the leadership and decision making styles of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kaiser Permanente organization George C. Halvorson. I will also discuss how the culture, goals and structure of Kaiser may change if leadership and decision making styles change.

George C. Halvorson

In March 2002, George C. Halvorson was named Chairman and Chief Executive...