Clinical

Taking a case study approach to assessing alternative leadership models in health care

Abstract

Good leadership is essential to patient-centred care and staff satisfaction in the healthcare environment. All members of the healthcare team can be leaders and evidence-based theory should inform their leadership practice. This article uses a case study approach to critically evaluate leadership as exercised by a charge nurse and a student nurse in a clinical scenario. Ineffective leadership styles are identified and alternatives proposed; considerable attention is given to critiquing both ‘heroic’ and ‘post-heroic’ transformational leadership theories. The concept of power will also be discussed, as power and leadership are closely related, and the importance of empowering members of the healthcare team through altering organisational structure is emphasised. This article advocates leadership that encourages innovation, enhances patient-centred care, encourages excellence and has ethical integrity. Recommendations of appropriate models of leadership are provided, while existing gaps in the healthcare leadership literature are highlighted.

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14 June 2018Volume 27Issue 11

ISSN (print): 0966-0461
ISSN (online): 2052-2819

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Accepted 1 May 2018

Published online 12 June 2018

Published in print 14 June 2018

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