Socionomen som chef inom va?rden
En kvalitativ studie av mo?tet mellan medicinsk och social kompetens
LeadershipHealth careMedical staffSocial workers in leading positionLeadership in multi-professional organization.LedarskapHälso- och sjukvårdSjukvårdspersonalSocionomer på chefspositionerChefskap över multiprofessionella organisationer.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social workers, working in a management position in the health care system, perceive the encounter of the medical and social perspective. With seven qualitative interviews, the study tries to conclude whether or not social workers are accepted at managerial positions within the health care sector. The social worker is, as a manager in health care, a leader but at the same time in a professional alienation from the medical caregivers. Organizations in the health care sector are often multi professional and have their own long standing tradition, history and culture. The results show that the conditions for social workers, working in a management position in health care appear to be agreeable. Collaboration works well, there is mutual respect, and the social perspective are considered valuable. Generally, the respondents agree upon what qualities distinguish a good leader and most believe that social work training provides a good foundation for the management role. Many argue that leadership is personalized and not dependent on the educational background. The social worker in a leadership position, is received well, is accepted and respected in the medical health care. Social workers, according to this study, assume the leadership role in the same ways as other professionals in health care. The social worker brings a psychosocial holistic approach which gives attention to both patients and employees alike. To meet future needs in health care in Sweden, the social worker is a good competence contributor.