Towards transformational emergency systems leadership: A holonic perspective

Abstract

This qualitative research study explores the results and implications of a key informant study of emergency systems leadership challenges in Canada. Grounded theory methodology and thematic analysis was deployed to identify ten key properties of transformational emergency systems leadership. Of 103 emergency systems leaders of diverse professional backgrounds are presented. The response rate was 83.5 percent from 81 organizations across Canada. A theory of holonic emergency systems leadership is proposed. This study concludes with the potential theoretical and pragmatic implications of a holonic paradigm of emergency systems leadership for further healthcare research in diverse settings internationally.

Adopting a ‘System of Caring' as a leadership strategy toward professionalisation within South African emergency medical services: A grounded theory

“…The connection between workforce performance and expectations has been described in the literature, with extrapolated connections drawn into the EMS industry [13] . Similarly, the relationship between trust and professionalism as a social process has been well established and recognised as an essential antecedent to professionalism within the EMS setting [2 , 14 , [34] , [35] , [36] . What is less clear is the connection between trust, expectations and the experience of ‘being cared for’ as an antecedent for professionalization from the point of view of the EMS workforce member.…”

“…Such realisations have not gone unnoticed within the EMS fraternity. However, the connection between caring and value are not as succinctly articulated in terms of human dignity, with the general treatment of this concept relegated to the process of professional conduct in so much as it relates to providing patient care and maintaining collegial engagement during the work process [2 , 20 , [34] , [35] , [36] , 44] . Such a treatment results in care and professionalism being understood as outcomes or measurable behaviours, whereas the ‘System of Caring’ offers a practical means to actually develop and attain professionalism.…”