Studying the relationships between authentic leadership, structural empowerment, and civility in the palliative care sector in Portugal

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to propose a model studying the relationship of authentic leadership (AL), structural empowerment (SE) and civility in the palliative care sector. This model proposes SE as a mediator between AL and civility. Design/methodology/approach Data was collected from 213 employees working in five major public palliative care hospitals in central Portugal. The study sample was predominantly female (80.3%) and the response rate was 42.6%. Variables were measured using the Authentic Leadership Inventory, Workplace Civility Scale and Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II scales. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for mediation analysis in SPSS was used to test the hypothesized model. Findings Results suggest that AL has a significant positive direct relationship with both SE and civility. Furthermore, SE demonstrated to play a partial mediation effect between AL and civility. Practical implications This study may be of use for healthcare administration encouraging the development of AL, suggesting that the more leaders are seen as authentic, the more employees will perceive they have access to workplace empowerment structures and a civil environment. Originality/value Considering the mainstream literature in healthcare management, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to date to integrate the relation of AL, SE and civility in the palliative care sector. Further, the research model has not previously been introduced when considering the mediating role structural empowerment can play between AL and civility.

Modeling the turnover intentions of Thai health-care personnel in pandemic times: moderating role of Covid-19 burnout

“…Besides, other leaderships styles, i.e. authentic leadership (Kulari et al , 2022) and distributed leadership (Leach et al , 2021) can be studied further.…”

Relationship between authentic leadership and burnout: the mediating role of civility in healthcare sector in Portugal

“…Second, this study contributes to the AL literature in the health-care sector, as most of the literature is in its infancy (Malila et al , 2018). Literature on AL and civility in Portugal remains a novel area of research (Ribeiro, 2018; Kulari et al , 2022). Finally, this study contributes to the literature on civility as a mediator between AL and burnout as more research is needed to develop current knowledge, particularly in hospital settings, after the present pandemic.…”

“…Limited studies in Portugal have shown that health employees who perceived higher access to empowerment structures reported higher values of civility (Ribeiro et al, 2021). Kulari et al (2022) found that civility mediated the relationship between AL and employee empowerment among palliative care employees suggesting that a respectful environment at work is a driving tool in enhancing positive work attitudes, honest and frequent communication. Hence, Laschinger and Fida (2014) support the notion that authentic leaders may influence the quality of workplace relationships by role modelling positive interpersonal behaviors and by setting standards for acceptable (and unacceptable) behaviors in the workplace: H1.…”

“…Marques-Quinteiro et al (2021) found that AL fosters a positive work environment when the workload in hospital is low. Furthermore, Kulari et al (2022) found that AL is positively associated to structurally empowering conditions among palliative care employees.…”

Promoting Productive Dialogue in the Workplace: The Profound Influence of Civility

“…Workplace Environment: In a professional setting, civility identification can lead to a more productive and harmonious workplace, as employees treat each other with respect and professionalism [ 10 ] . Identifying civility typically involves monitoring and addressing instances of uncivil behavior, promoting and enforcing community guidelines or codes of conduct, and providing education and awareness about the importance of civility [ 11 ] .Civility can be recognized through behaviors such as active listening, empathy, avoiding personal attacks, and using respectful language and tone. Efforts to encourage civility may include training, public awareness campaigns, and community guidelines that set expectations for respectful behavior.…”