Developing a 7S Framework-based Management Guideline to Promote Community Qigong Clubs in Xi’an, People’s Republic of China

Abstract

Background and Aim: At present, community-based Health Qigong clubs in Xi’an City still face significant challenges in management practices, such as loose organizational structures, insufficient professional instructors, a lack of standardized guidelines, and weak safety monitoring mechanisms. The main objective of this research was to develop the 7S framework-based management guideline to promote the community qigong club in Xi’an city, the People's Republic of China.

Materials and Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research population covered 32 communities in Beilin District, Xi’an City (People’s Government of Beilin District, Xi’an, 2023). A total of 359 questionnaires were distributed to investigate the current management problems related to promoting community Qigong clubs, with 320 valid responses collected. In addition, five experts were interviewed to provide consultation on the draft of the management guideline. The guideline was then refined through a focus group discussion with nine experts and further validated by seven experts using the connoisseurship method.

Results: The research results found that the finalized management guideline was developed under the 7S management framework (Strategy, Structure, Systems, Staff, Skills, Style, and Shared Values). The results indicated that, based on the 7S framework and questionnaire analysis, most dimensions demonstrated moderate to high problem levels (X̅ ≥ 3.51). Consequently, the management guideline encompassed seven key dimensions: 10 strategy guidelines, 8 structure guidelines, 10 system guidelines, 8 staff guidelines, 8 skills guidelines, 8 style guidelines, and 8 shared values guidelines. In total, 60 specific guidelines were proposed, forming a systematic, clearly structured, and practically effective framework for promoting community Qigong clubs in Xi’an City.

Conclusion: The management guideline for community Qigong clubs in Xi’an, designed by the researcher and validated through expert review, was found to be scientific, reliable, and applicable. Overall, the study provides both theoretical support and practical strategies for advancing the integration of Health Qigong into urban community life, while ensuring sustainability and cultural inheritance.