Healthcare Managers/Executives/Administrators
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study was to find out if transformational/empowering leadership practices by supervisors and owners can enhance intrinsic/increased motivation among direct care workers, working in the field of mental health residential care facilities; and if any differences were due to gender. METHODOLOGY The research was conducted in residential care facilities that provide a normalized environment and treatment opportunities to individuals who are transitioned from locked environments in the Inland Empire (California). Out of ten residential facilities, approximately six participants per facility, 59 participants (four direct care male staff, 17 direct care female staff, 15 management males, and 23 management females) completed the Leadership Practice Inventory (those in management completed the Self version and the direct care staff completed the Observer version). The researcher also conducted interviews using a preset series of questions. Cronbach alpha internal reliability coefficients for the overall LPI-Self were 0.928 and for the overall LPIObserver 0.959.
KEY FINDINGS Male staff members reported an overall LPI score that was significantly higher than that reported by female staff members; no significant difference on the overall LPI score was found by gender for management personnel.