Different development programmes – does it make a difference?
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine whether two groups of first‐line nurse managers perceived improvements in skills and knowledge regarding interpersonal skills and group management, achievement orientation, and organizational view and political savvy after participation in two different development programmes, compared to participants in a comparison group. Further, to understand the first‐line nurse managers' expectations for and experiences of the programme as well as its strengths and weaknesses.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 13 first‐line nurse managers participated in a training programme, 14 in a self‐development programme, and 14 in a comparison group. Group interviews were used to describe the managers' expectations for and experiences of the programmes, the Leadership and Management Inventory were used to assess the impact of the programmes.
Findings
The results of the interviews showed that the programmes met many of the participants' expectations. Participants perceived significant improvements – in organizational knowledge following the training programme and in achievement orientation following the self‐development programme.
Research limitations/implications
Participation in the groups was not based on random assignment.
Practical implications
Different development programmes focussing on different issues can increase flexibility and decrease costs, as managers can apply to programmes suited to their development needs.
Originality/value
Mixed methods have been used in this study: qualitative methods to describe the participants' experiences of the programmes, and quantitative methods to describe the impact of two different leadership programmes and to contrast these results with a comparison group.
Keywords
Citation
Skytt, B., Ljunggren, B., Engström, M. and Carlsson, M. (2011), "Different development programmes – does it make a difference?", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 24 No. 1, pp. 29-50. https://doi.org/10.1108/17511871111102517
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited