Transformational Leadership in Healthcare

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Why now? Why are we focusing on transformational leadership? Healthcare costs are continuing to rise. Some of the critical problems and active debates prevalent in many hospital organizations include the rapidly intensifying healthcare costs, funding and reimbursement cutbacks, and concern regarding the overall quality and safety of health care. “Healthcare systems have come under pressure to improve performance and manage productivity” (Botting, 2011). To be successful in the 21st century, there is a demand on healthcare systems to have a vision and executive and clinical leadership to inspire the change process and make the difference between success and failure in change. In this time of transition and uncertainty, research suggests that transformational leadership is highly effective (Straight, 2006). Leadership research has drifted from emphasis on the competence of leaders to “manage change” to the ability to “transform” organizations. Transformational leaders have attributes and behaviors needed to successfully motivate and empower employees. According to Bernard Bass (1990), transformational leadership occurs when a leader transforms, or changes, his or her followers in three important ways that together result in followers trusting the leader, performing behaviors that contribute to the achievement of organizational goals, and being motivated to perform at a high level. Transformational leaders can achieve greater performance by stimulating innovative ways of thinking and transforming follower’s beliefs and aspirations. Maxwell (Maxwell, 2007) articulates that most of the time, influence is more important than formal power or authority. I agree with him. Influence is very important in organizational and co... ... middle of paper ... ...ning to share the vision. Organizational Dynamics , 19-31. Botting, L. (2011). Transformational change in action. Nursing Management , 17 (9), 14-19. Chapman, A. (2012). Situational Leadership. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from Businessballs.com: http://www.businessballs.com/slanalysis.htm Cole, M. B., & Tufano, R. (2008). Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical approach. Thorofare, New Jersey, United States of America: Slack Inc. Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Straight, B. J. (2006). Uncertainy - A fruitful place to be. International Journal of Leadership Studies , 2 (1), 88-93. Taylor, R. R., Wook Lee, S., Kielhofner, G., & Ketkar, M. (2009). Therapeutic use of self: A nationwide survey of practitioners' attitudes and experiences. American Journal of Occupational Therapy , 63 (2), 198-207.

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