A study of the impact on Leadership styles within the Health Service Executive as a result of the economic downturn in Ireland (2008-2013)

Kelly, John (2014) A study of the impact on Leadership styles within the Health Service Executive as a result of the economic downturn in Ireland (2008-2013). Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The fundamental aim of this thesis was to examine whether leadership styles of managers within the Health Service Executive (HSE) had changed as a result of the impact of the economic downturn in Ireland. The focus period was 2008-2013 following on from the repercussions of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008.

The literature review demonstrates how this study relates to the work of other researchers in this field, and covers some of the key contemporary leadership theories. The assertions made in this dissertation are based on qualitative data as a result of the researcher interviewing seven of his colleagues, who are key stakeholders across a variety of disciplines in healthcare. The study was focused in an area of North Dublin; further research will be required to validate the findings within other geographical areas in the wider HSE organisation.

Events of recent years have had a dramatic effect on resources both financial and physical, and this research would suggest that as a leader, one has to wear many ‘different hats’ and be able to co-ordinate all of the personnel towards a common goal. The research suggests that managers have becomes significantly aware that they, and their teams now require a ‘blend’ of skills to manage the transitioning service and requirements of the ever evolving health service across many different affiliates.

Ulrich et al, (2008) demonstrate this in their research, that the effective leader is seen as the linchpin holding the group together. They must also be able to manage current staff taking cognisance of succession planning, whilst also delivering on current requirements, with an eye to the future, demonstrating a short term plan with a long term vision.

The key discovery of the participants of this study was that as middle managers, currently they were carrying out all of the above tasks. However, as they were under so much pressure, they were almost like the entertainer in the circus, spinning several different plates in the air, and if one fell, it affected the others.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > Economic Recession H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Leadership H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Leadership R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > Public Health System
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Management
Depositing User:	Claire Wallnutt
Date Deposited:	15 Nov 2014 12:55
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2014 12:55
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/1779

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