– The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature of leadership in the current context where the crisis in global capitalism seems to be encouraging a mechanistic approach to the management of healthcare. The paper urges an holistic leadership ethos to encourage an holistic approach to care and treatment.
– The paper utilises an extensive overview of the leadership literature, and also used practical examples of care and leadership practice.
– Care and capability need to be partners, but concern has been expressed at all levels of society that a reductionist model is being implemented in many caring professions.
– The implications for leadership are that one of the most vital current requirements is to encourage a spirit-filled leadership at all levels in the organisations that provide care.
– The paper addresses the issue that leadership can never be a purely intellectual or emotional activity, it must combine all aspects of the person in an holistic approach.
