LEADERSHIP IN HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS

The modern world, changing and progressing rapidly, makes it necessary to find out and implement new ways of organizing and managing the healthcare system. One of the most interesting types of approaches, which is a response to these challenges, may be the humanistic approach to leadership in healthcare.

The core of leadership in a healthcare organization should be focused on the service to human health. It is therefore necessary to develop the concept of leadership based on values. Therefore, the basis of leadership in a healthcare organization should be the same, regardless of the circumstances, but the leadership style may vary; it will depend on the medical situation.

Blanchard (Blanchard, 2007) distinguishes four basic paradigms of leadership:
- Classical Leadership,
- Transactional Leadership,
- Charismatic Leadership (in other words: Visionary or Inspirational Leadership),
- Network Leadership (in other words: Organic Leadership).

Each of these kinds of leadership based on values can contribute to improving the functioning of medical organizations, it all depends on the leader’s ability to adapt to circumstances.

Therefore, the aim of this article is to present theoretical considerations and analyses of healthcare leadership styles based on values, depending on the dominant situation in a medical centre. The conclusions will determine what kind of leadership is the most appropriate in given circumstances. Recommendations may be helpful for managers of health centres, academic teachers educating medical personnel, as well as for doctors and nurses who want to expand their knowledge in the field of leadership and management.