| Literature consistently documents the underrepresentation of people of color in health services management and reveals persistent gaps in both compensation and satisfaction between managers of color and white managers (ACHE, AHHE, IFD and NAHSE; Bilechik, 2000; Dreachslin, 1996; Dreachslin, Jimpson, and Sprainer, 2001, 2002, Moore, 1999; and Weber, 2000, as cited in Dreachslin, Maldonado and Dansky, 2004). Data on the healthcare workforce in the United States reveal racial and ethnic disparities in career accomplishment and experience (Dreachslin, Maldonado, and Dansky, 2004).;This research study assesses the efficacy of an enrichment program designed to improve diversity in healthcare management (HCM). A total of three research questions were created to evaluate the efficacy of SEP. The researcher hypothesized that there is a statistically significant difference in rates of employment between completers of SEP and non-completers of SEP within HCM. Methodologies used consisted of the creation of a questionnaire entitled the Career Impact Survey (CIS). The CIS was structured to assess 1994-2004 SEP participants' self-reported information on current career attainment, knowledge and attitude and preparation for management positions in healthcare. The CIS was mailed to 564 SEP participants. A total of 115 SEP participants responded to the survey. Following data analysis a focus group consisting of six past SEP participants was conducted to discuss key findings.;In conclusion, data revealed that 57 of those participants who completed SEP are currently employed in healthcare management; 29 of those who completed SEP are not employed in healthcare management, representing a total of 86 participants who completed the program. A chi-square analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the number of completers and non-completers employed in HCM (chi2 (1) = 22.95, p < .0001). A total of 66.3% of all SEP completers and 14.3% of all non-completers were currently employed in HCM, completers of the SEP were more likely than non-completers to be currently employed in healthcare management. |
