Last update:
22-Apr-2024

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of leadership styles on strategic leadership, as well as the integration and commitment to a change plan within a hospital environment.

METHOD A quantitative study was conducted to measure the impact of leadership styles on the following factors: (a) strategic leadership, (b) integration of change, and (c) commitment to change. The research sample consisted of 280 employees working in general hospitals located in the area of Thessalia, Greece. The questionnaire used included several tools to measure the variables mentioned above.

RESULTS The research revealed that the transformational leadership style's idealized influence and inspirational motivation characteristics were the most frequently adopted, while the passive laissez-faire style was the least utilized. Furthermore, the findings of this study showed a positive connection between both transactional and transformational leadership styles with the factors of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change. In contrast, the laissezfaire style exhibited a negative relationship with the variables of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change.

CONCLUSIONS Effective leadership plays a crucial role in managing a health institute and successfully implementing a strategic organizational change plan. The commitment and integration of healthcare employees are essential assets for the successful execution of organizational change.

Key words: Change integration, Commitment to change, General hospitals, Leadership styles, Strategic leadership.