Politically connected: increasing the political competency of healthcare executives in health policy.

In this article we provide a teaching frame of reference for healthcare management students, to more effectively engage in the health policy-making process. We show how future executives can direct or transfer their management skills and abilities to the health policy arena. In doing so, healthcare executives attain a proactive stance in the political process, which is essential to the overall strategic management of healthcare organizations. Using organization theory as a pedagogical tool, we outline the similarities and differences in the management of hospitals versus state legislatures. We identify areas of common ground, and suggest components to frame political advocacy strategy for healthcare executives that strengthen their political competency. Thus, the article provides a teaching framework for health services management students about key intersections between management and policymaking.