Journal of

 Background and Aim: Strategic thinking plays a very important role in guarding organizational survival and increasing development in today's dynamic and changing environment. One of the elements of strategic thinking is systemic thinking, which forms the conceptual framework to solve issues in an organization. This study aims to determine the ability of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) senior managers to stick to systemic thinking based on Friedrik Goldman’s model.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive- analytic study conducted on a sample of 100 TUMS senior managers in 2010. The data collection instrument was a standard questionnaire on systemic thinking, the response rate of which turned out to be 97%. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were confirmed prior to its distribution. SPSS software was used for data analysis. To this end, single sample t-test and Friedman statistical methods were also applied.

Results: The findings revealed that the ability of systemic thinking was optimal among most TUMS senior managers.

Conclusion : Enhancing and strengthening systemic thinking among TUMS senior managers are suggested, especially regarding omniscient and multi-end approach.

Background and Aim: Employees suggestion plan (ESP) is designed to encourage and improve employees’ participation in developmental planning. The establishment of this system needs cultural, individual and structural preparedness. This study is aimed to determine organizational preparedness in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).

Materials and Methods: This research was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted in TUMS headquarters in Tehran, Iran. The heterogeneous sample of this study consisted of 155 employees. They were asked to fill out a researcher-made questionnaire to assess their attitude towards organizational preparedness for ESP establishment. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were confirmed. The data were analyzed by SPSS, and descriptive results were presented. The data were also analyzed by Friedman and ANOVA statistical methods.

Results: Most of the employees had a positive attitude towards the existence of individual and cultural preparedness for ESP establishment in TUMS. However, they believed the desired structural preparedness for this process did not exist.

Conclusion : The desired organizational preparedness for ESP establishment exists in TUMS, although structural preparedness is not desirable. Therefore, it is suggested that necessary modifications should be made in TUMS organizational structure for effective ESP implementation.