Aligning purchasing with the organizational strategy : a study into the differences of presence and effectiveness from vertical strategy alignment between multiple types of healthcare organizations

Aligning the organizational goals with the purchasing strategy can improve the competitive potential of the purchasing function, among other benefits. However, what role this alignment has within the healthcare sector, how such alignment is achieved and how the context of healthcare influences this process is unknown. To theoretical model is tested: interviews are conducted with ten respondents from different healthcare organizations. Of these respondents, eight also filled in the follow-up questionnaire. A six-step method is used on the interview transcripts to find the most relevant dimensions and accompanying sub-dimensions. With the follow-up questionnaire rankings are found between the sub-dimensions, indicating the relevance of a certain sub-dimension. The current role of vertical strategy alignment in healthcare is rather marginal. Purchasing is a supporting function in healthcare that is not part of the primary process. The main general challenge with achieving this alignment is that currently there is no one responsible for alignment. Healthcare has an enhanced focus on quality with the care that has a patient-central focus. To increase this alignment, the organizations should mainly increase awareness and involvement with alignment. The main opportunity is that it could increase the quality of care and increase purchasing’s financial performances.