Introducing “Coping Good” as a Motivational Driver for Non-Professional Project Managers in Hospitals: An Interpretative Framework Inspired by Self-Determination Theory

Non-professional project managers (NP-PM)-individuals leading projects based on domain expertise rather than formal project management credentials and certifications-play a growing role in hospitals. Despite their prevalence, their impact on project performance remains underexplored. This study introduces “coping good” as a distinctive intrinsic motivation explaining why NP-PM develop project management competencies. Using self-determination theory as an interpretative framework, the study explores how artifact usage, project performance domains alignment, and power skills development contribute to project performance. Analyzing data from 257 NP-PM with structural equation modeling (SEM), results reveal the importance of tailored training and support to enhance project success in resource-constrained settings.