En hälso- och sjukvårdsorganisation i förändring : Från distanserat till delat ledarskap

Abstract: Aim: The overall aim of this thesis is to follow up, describe and generate a tentative theory on ongoing processes of change in health care. This will be done at a macro level, through the study of hospital mergers as well as a micro level through studies of shared leadership.Method: ”Hospital Mergers” is based on a qualitative approach; Grounded Theory, with interviews of health professionals (I, II). ”Shared leadership” considered a change of the leadership model with interviews (III-IV) and questionnaires (V) as methods for data collection. Health professionals’ conceptions of leadership were described by a phenomenographical approach (III). In addition, two nurse managers’ experiences of working together as equal partners within a shared leadership model have also been presented by Grounded Theory (IV). In the last paper (V), a quantitative method has been used by means of a questionnaire. Some of these questions are included in the QPSNordic focusing on health professionals’ approach to work, leadership and shared leadership.Results: Participation and balancing involvement in a change process was emphasised by the health professionals. Leadership was highlighted as an important factor for healthcare organisations in change. Nurse leadership was seen as an ideal image by the health professionals and emphasised the importance for being present and available in order to provide support and feedback to improve practice. Supportive ”two-getherness” in a shared leadership are described as a relationship based on trust and confidence. Shared leadership made it possible to share responsibilities and tasks, which gave nurse managers a good working environment. Health professionals believe that shared leadership contributes to increased availability of committed nurse managers in day-to-day work. Conclusion: Two empirical models; committed leadership and supporting ”two-getherness” were developed. Committed leadership is built on participation through support in a caring culture. Supporting ”two-getherness” uses concepts such as common value and confident relationship. Moreover, the theory of Caritative Leadership was further developed from another perspective which is that of the relationship between managers. This relationship is known as supporting ”two-getherness”.