Design and behavioral strategies for cost containment and quality assurance.

The design and behavioral strategies for cost containment and quality assurance in hospitals are related closely to similar issues in larger organizations. Using a taxonomy developed by Georgopoulos it is possible to develop a research outline examining design and behavioral strategies. The most important determinant of the shape and direction of these strategies in the VA medical care system appears to be its environmental constraints. For each of the seven categories presented by Georgopoulos, the nature of the VA is discussed and specific research questions are proposed. The seven categories include adaptation, allocation, coordination, integration, strain, output, and maintenance.