You are to write a scholarly paper of 5-7 pages (plus cover page, abstract, and reference list) in length on some aspect of the research and/or theories of strategic or financial management that relate to the material in this course. You are free to critique a theorist or model, but you need to use scholarly sources. Your paper should be based on the literature and use appropriate citations using APA style. The topic of your scholarly paper must be specifically related to this course.
The purpose of my paper is to show how financial leadership is managed by women within healthcare facilities. How are different facilities run by women in financial leadership as opposed to men? Additionally, illustrate the correlation between finances and quality care when led by a woman, whether it is a hospital or a nursing home facility. I am passionate about understanding how a facility may be run by a woman, and to illustrate how more women should not be overlooked for such roles just because of their gender.
Women Leaders in Hospitals
Finances for healthcare facilities
Finances and quality care in healthcare by women
Women CEO’s of healthcare organizations
(Approximately 150–250 words)
Concisely state the research problem: the underrepresentation of women in senior financial leadership roles (CFO, VP of Finance) in healthcare despite potential benefits.
State the paper's purpose: To examine the relationship between female financial leadership in hospitals and nursing homes and key outcomes, specifically financial performance and patient quality of care.
Summarize the key findings from the literature regarding gender differences in strategic and financial management styles.
Conclude with a statement on the implications for organizational strategy and gender equity in healthcare.
I. Introduction (Approx. 1 page)
A. Background and Problem Statement
Define Financial Leadership within healthcare (focus on the CFO/C-Suite role in resource allocation, budgeting, and capital planning).
Establish the current landscape: Gender disparity in top healthcare leadership roles, especially financial ones.
Introduce the core argument: Strategic and financial management theories suggest that leadership diversity, particularly gender diversity, may lead to superior performance and different strategic priorities.
B. Purpose and Scope
Specific Goal: To analyze existing research on how healthcare facilities led financially by women differ from those led by men, focusing on two outcome variables: financial stability and patient quality metrics.
Scope: Focus on acute care hospitals and long-term care/nursing home facilities.
Significance: Address the overlooking of women for these roles and highlight the strategic value of female leadership.
C. Road Map
Briefly outline the paper's structure.
II. Theoretical Framework: Strategic Management and Gender (Approx. 1.5 pages)
A. Leadership Theory and Gender
Discuss Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership models. Cite studies suggesting women often lean toward transformational styles, emphasizing collaboration, mentorship, and ethical consideration—behaviors that may align with quality care outcomes.
Introduce Upper Echelons Theory (UET): The characteristics of top management (including gender) influence strategic choices and organizational performance.
Sample Answer
Scholarly Paper Outline: The Impact of Female Financial Leadership on Healthcare Facility Performance and Quality of Care
This outline provides the structure, key sections, and scholarly direction for a 5–7 page paper that addresses your goal: to illustrate how financial leadership managed by women in healthcare facilities correlates with facility performance and quality of care, advocating for greater gender equity in these roles.
Title Page
(Use APA 7th Edition format)
Title: The Gender Dividend: Female Financial Leadership and the Correlation Between Fiscal Management and Quality of Care in Healthcare
Author: [Your Name]
Affiliation: Walden University
Course: [Course Name and Number]
Instructor: [Instructor Name]
Date: October 8, 2025