Abstract

Purpose—Risk is intrinsically linked to all economic activity, and can never be completely eliminated; however, in certain cases and conditions, it can be mitigated. From the managerial perspective, it is possible to distinguish between speculative risks and pure risks. This distinction is made in relation to the effects produced from particular events on the economic conditions of the company. Speculative risks can lead to profits or losses, as they are connected to both unfavorable and favorable events, whereas pure risks uniquely produce losses or negative effects. There have been several studies on this topic from various perspectives. Our paper is based on an empirical investigation that aims to verify whether there is a direct or indirect correlation between risk-management policies in the healthcare sector and education and training activities.

Design/methodology/approach—The analysis is based on an inductive research method that uses the case study methodology in order to verify and measure the direct or indirect correlation between risk-management policies and education and training activities in the healthcare sector of Regione Lombardia.

Findings—The paper makes a clear contribution to the knowledge related to risk-management policies in the healthcare sector. Based on the case study of Regione Lombardia, integrates the dimensions of organization and individuals with the cross-section of education and training in new risk-management systems. 

Research limitations/implications—This paper has several limitations. First, it considers only a single case, in Regione Lombardia. The distinctive features of the case may have led to specific empirical evidence and, moreover, the empirical evidence cannot be generalized to other territorial contexts/destinations. Second, the data set is limited to five years and is not sufficient to measure the direct correlation between the two aspects under study.

Originality/value—This is the first paper to have approached, using an inductive research method, the issue of risk management connected to the education/training dimension by analyzing the case of Regione Lombardia. The findings should stimulate new debate in the business economics literature.

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