Master the Certified Healthcare Leader Challenge 2025 – Lead the Charge to Success!

The operational level is where programmed decisions are primarily made. Programmed decisions are routine, repetitive, and typically structured, focusing on day-to-day operations within an organization. At this level, decisions are often guided by established procedures, rules, and policies.

For example, in a healthcare setting, an operational decision could involve the scheduling of staff shifts, which tends to follow specific guidelines or past experiences to manage daily healthcare activities effectively. These decisions are usually made by frontline managers or supervisors who are directly involved in the operational activities, allowing for quick responses to routine situations.

In contrast, tactical and strategic levels involve more complex decision-making that might not adhere to established rules and may require significant analysis or forecasting of future conditions. The administrative level, meanwhile, tends more towards governance and oversight rather than day-to-day operational processes.