The introduction of the Frontline Management Initiative in South Western Sydney Area Health Service

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the development and implementation of a management development strategy forthe South Western Sydney Area Health Service (SWSAHS). The program, the Frontline Management Initiative(FMI), was introduced as a developmental tool which enabled managers to identify those competencies that theyalready possess and those which they need to develop. The FMI will be progressively implemented throughout the fivesector health services of SWSAHS comprising approximately 1500 managers. This article outlines the introductionand experience of FMI in one sector health service, the development and assessment of a manager's portfolio, thepathway developed from FMI to university based health management courses, the lessons learnt and the futuredirections for management development.