Book excerpt: Management practices within the health care sector are shaped by a multitude of professional, social, political and technical factors. This Elgar Encyclopedia of Healthcare Management provides insights and definitions on essential themes that clarify complexity and specificity of leading within the health sector, as well as the latest trends in health policy that affects management practices. Its structure is built on the current agenda of health managers and health management scholars and it offers a broad look into new challenges and principles that are re-shaping managerial dynamics of the health sector and the way the health services should be designed and delivered. Key Features: 117 accessible entries organised by theme An up-to-date examination of emerging healthcare paradigms Over 50 leading contributors from a variety of backgrounds and specialisms A balanced subject range aimed at improving the proficiencies of healthcare leaders, across technical skills and management practices This authoritative work will be incredibly useful for students and scholars of healthcare management, policy and economics.