A1 Journal article (refereed)
Just a leader? : Leadership work challenges and identity contradiction experienced by Finnish physician leaders (2021)
Huikko-Tarvainen, S., Sajasalo, P., & Auvinen, T. (2021). Just a leader? : Leadership work challenges and identity contradiction experienced by Finnish physician leaders. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 35(9), 195-210. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhom-10-2020-0421
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Huikko-Tarvainen, Sari; Sajasalo, Pasi; Auvinen, Tommi
Journal or series: Journal of Health Organization and Management
ISSN: 1477-7266
eISSN: 1758-7247
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 35
Issue number: 9
Pages range: 195-210
Publisher: Emerald
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/jhom-10-2020-0421
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/76953
Abstract
Design/methodology/approach The subjects of the empirical study were physician leaders (n=23) in the largest central hospital in Finland.
Findings
Five largely identity-related, partially paradoxical dilemmas appeared regarding why working as “just a leader” is challenging for physician leaders. First, the dilemma of identity ambiguity between being a physician and a leader. Second, the dilemma of balancing the expected commitment to clinical patient work by various stakeholders and that of physician leadership work. Third, the dilemma of being able to compensate for leadership skill shortcomings by excelling in clinical skills, encouraging physician leaders to commit to patient work. Fourth, the dilemma of ‘medic discourse’, that is, downplaying leadership work as “non-patient work”, making it inferior to patient work. Fifth, the dilemma of a perceived ethical obligation to commit to patient work even if the physician leadership work would be a full-time job. The first two issues support the findings of earlier research, while the remaining three emerging from our analysis are novel.
Practical implications We list some of the practical implications that follow from our study and which could help solve some of the challenges.
Originality This study explores physician leaders’ leadership work challenges using authentic physician leader data in a context where no prior empirical research has been carried out.
Keywords: leadership (activity); managerial work; leadership (properties); health sector; public health service; medical doctors; professional identity
Free keywords: healthcare; physician; physician leader; physician leadership; identity
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 1
