THE MEDIATING ROLE OF RISK PERCEPTION IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COVID-19 KNOWLEDGE AND STRATEGIC THINKING IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATION

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions across multiple sectors, particularly in healthcare, necessitating the implementation of effective crisis management strategies. This dissertation explores the intricate relationship between Covid-19 knowledge, risk perception, and strategic decision-making among mid-level to executive personnel within healthcare organizations. While existing research has delved into the connection between Covid-19 knowledge and strategic thinking, there is limited understanding of the mediating role of risk perception in the healthcare industry. Employing structural equation modeling (SEM) for data analysis, this study aims to bridge this research gap and offer practical insights for healthcare managers grappling with pandemic challenges. The results affirm the positive influence of Covid-19 knowledge on both strategic thinking and risk perception. Additionally, risk perception is identified as a partial mediator in the relationship between Covid-19 knowledge and strategic thinking. This research enriches the literature by shedding light on the significance of risk perception within the context of Covid-19 knowledge and strategic decision-making within healthcare organizations.