Learning objectives
How do I:
determine the leadership approach I might take in my organisation?
decide when I might need to change my leadership approach to a different style?
learn about how management theory has changed over time?
consider how best to develop my own leadership and management skills?
integrate knowledge of leadership and management theory to inform future practice?
Introduction
Effective leadership and management are crucial for healthcare services to meet the expectation to provide high-quality, accessible, affordable care that will result in improved health outcomes (Fehr, 2011) in the context of health reform. Healthcare professionals must understand the main theories of leadership and management and how these approaches translate into improving work practices in order to develop their own work capacity. This chapter presents leadership and management theories that healthcare professionals currently use to inform their practice.
Definitions
Definitions that locate the concepts of leadership and management in a healthcare context are important. The concept of leadership in healthcare receives attention from government, policy-makers, organisational managers, clinicians and researchers (Kean & Haycock-Stuart, 2011 ). To be effective, leadership must be appropriate for healthcare in its broadest sense and see issues addressed in a political, social, policy and economic context (Swearingen, 2009).
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