Last update:
   29-Aug-2024
 

Arch Hellen Med, 41(5), September-October 2024, 680-690

ORIGINAL PAPER

Leader-member exchanges in military healthcare organizations
The interplay of relational dynamics

Ε. Maritsa,1 A. Goula,1 A. Psychogios,2 D. Latsou,1 G. Pierrakos1
1Department of Business Administration, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
2Business School of Loughborough, University of Loughborough, Loughborough, United Kingdom; ALBA Graduate Business School, The American College of Greece, Athens, Greece

OBJECTIVE To explore the dynamics of dyadic interactions, as it was argued that leader-member relationships are formed and evolved as a social elaboration of interdependent dynamics that in turn shape the quality of those relationships in the specific social context.

METHOD A quantitative survey was carried out in a military hospital where 53 leaders and 160 members that participated successfully established 160 leader-member pairs.

RESULTS It was found that relational dynamics which exist in the military healthcare context shape the quality of leader-member relationships, influencing in turn leadership effectiveness. It was also shown that subordinates' intentional withholding of opinions and suggestions around work issues negatively influences members' perception of the quality of their relationship with leaders and this negative phenomenon in relationships can be eased by building up strong relational identities and increasing the frequency of leader-member meetings.

CONCLUSIONS The understanding of human social constructions was reinforced by giving prominence to the existence of certain dynamics (relational identity, organizational silence and frequency of work meetings) which influence leadership relationships among military healthcare professionals. The study's findings support the notion that enhancing self-worth through quality leader-member interactions and supporting open communication constitute a stepping-stone towards work effectiveness in healthcare organizations.

Key words: Leader-member exchange, Military hospital, Organizational silence, Relational dynamics, Relational identity.

© Archives of Hellenic Medicine