ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book contributes to development of a critical mass of research on healthcare management that recognizes the importance of understanding managers' perspectives on their evolving work, roles and professional identity. It introduces the empirical research and outlines the perspective used to explore what managing means for managers 'on the ground', what processes of knowing, learning and networking managers engage with and how this relates to their evolving sense of professional/occupational identity. The book sets out to trace the effects on managers of changing institutional conditions and shifting managerial discourses, as well as the influence of organizational settings and impact of managers' own occupational experiences and professional career development. It explores how managers in practice are responding to many contemporary challenges they face in a changing healthcare context. The book builds upon the theme of exploring sources of knowledge by examining managers' networking activities.
