An Evaluation of the impact of business ethics on patient care and organisational performance at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to explore the relationship between business ethics and patient care quality at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital within the field of Business Leadership. Guided by the main research question—How do ethical business practices influence the quality of patient care at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital?—the study also examines how ethics influence organisational performance and leadership effectiveness. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining surveys with patients and staff, interviews with hospital management, and document analysis of ethical policies and practices. This triangulated methodology provided a comprehensive understanding of the link between business ethics, patient care quality, and institutional performance. The findings indicate that business ethics significantly impact both organisational performance and patient care. Ethical leadership, transparent communication of ethical guidelines, and regular ethical training were identified as crucial drivers of a culture of integrity and accountability. Moreover, the application of ethical principles was shown to improve patient trust, satisfaction, and safety, while simultaneously enhancing staff morale, teamwork, and resource utilisation. However, persistent challenges such as limited resources, weak enforcement of policies, and bureaucratic inefficiencies undermine the consistent application of ethical standards. The study concludes that embedding ethical leadership within hospital governance is essential for advancing patient-centred care and achieving sustainable organisational success. It recommends continuous ethics training, stronger policy enforcement, and leadership commitment to cultivating an ethical culture across all levels of the institution