Leader Characteristics in Hospital Change Management: A Case Study

Leader Characteristics in Hospital Change Management: A Case Study Masoud Etemadian1, Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad2, Mohammad Javad Soleimani3, Seyed Pouria Hedayati4* 1 Urology department, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, Hospital Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran 2 Department of Health Management and Economics, Health Information Management Research Center, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 3 Urology department, Hasheminejad Kidney Center, Hospital Management Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran 4 Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Abstract Introduction: Leadership is the science and art of influencing, motivating, and empowering employees to achieve organizational vision and goals. Managers’ leadership traits can affect the success of change management in a hospital. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of effective leaders in managing hospital changes. Methods: This case study was conducted in 2018 at Hasheminejad Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Research participants were drawn from a purposive sample of hospital managers and employees (45 persons). Semi-structured interviews were conducted using open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis, consisting of coding, pattern identification, and theme development using MAXQDA 11 software. Results: Transformational leadership was the dominant leadership style of hospital managers. Implementing changes in the hospital during the period of 2002 and 2018 increased inpatient numbers by 270%, outpatient numbers by 330%, surgery operations by 220%, and hospital bed turnover rate by 290%. The success of a leader in change management depends on his/her aptitude and personality. A leader’s intelligence, knowledge, and skills form his/her aptitude and the personality encompasses the leader’s beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors. Conclusion: Transformational leadership is affected by the leader’s aptitude and personality and it enhances hospital performance. Keywords: Leadership; Change Management; University Hospital; Case Study   Please cite this article as follows: Etemadian M, Mosadeghrad AM, Soleimani MJ, Hedayati P. Leader chracteristics in hospital change management: A case study. Hakim Health Sys Res.2019; 22(3): 212-229.   *Corresponding Author: Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98-2142933006, Email: [email protected]