A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Leadership and work community - views of graduating dental students
Authors: Tuononen Tiina A. , Kauhanen Milka, Suominen Anna Liisa, Hyvärinen Marja-Leena
Publisher: EMERALD GROUP PUBLISHING LTD
Publishing place: Leeds
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Leadership in Health Services
Journal name in source: LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH SERVICES
Journal acronym: LEADERSH HEALTH SERV
Volume: 36
Issue: 4
First page : 511
Last page: 523
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 1751-1879
eISSN: 1751-1887
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/LHS-10-2022-0102
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1108/LHS-10-2022-0102
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/381355956
PurposeThis study aims to explore what kind of perceptions dental students at graduation stage have on leadership and work communities, and themselves as leaders and work community members after completing a leadership course tailored for them. Design/methodology/approachThe research material comprised reflective essays written by fifth-year dental students who had participated in a leadership course. The essays were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. FindingsMost students reported that they had not considered seeking a leadership position before the course, but their views of leadership had grown more positive as a result of completing the course. Students perceived interpersonal communication competence as the most important factor for leaders, the whole work community and for themselves. They assessed that their biggest strengths were found in this area. The biggest challenges in adapting to a work community concerned the students' professional identities, which were still taking shape at the time of graduation. Originality/valueThe need for leaders in health-care professions is growing due to ongoing reforms, multidisciplinary teamwork, the development of new technologies and patient demands. Therefore, undergraduate leadership education is needed to ensure that students have knowledge of leadership. Graduating dental students' perceptions concerning leadership and work communities have not been widely explored. Students' perceptions of leadership were positive after the course and helped students to realize their own potential in this area.
Downloadable publication This is an electronic reprint of the original article. |  |
