This book is a collection of papers given at a conference which examined what the role of senior administrators in the health field should be. The following four questions were addressed by the speakers. Does the senior health administrator have a role as either innovator or catalyst in 1) the introduction of medical developments, choices of priorities for the community served and changes in the configuration of services?; 2) the political process as it effects health and health services? 3) the allocation, deployment and control of the use of resources, including manpower? 4) the appraisal of quality and effectiveness, including the handling of complaints?