Introduction Effective leadership by professionals is crucial in all healthcare organizations. The way workers define leadership has changed from generation to generation, however, a common description of leadership is the motivating behavior of an individual directing the activities of a group towards a shared goal. (Ward, 2017) Influencing group activities and coping with change are some of the key aspects that an individual in a leadership role will be working towards. According to an article, "management is about coping with complexity" and "leadership is about coping with change", therefore, both aspects are critical to a successful leader. (Blumenthal, Bernard, Bohnen, & Bohmer, 2012). Healthcare systems are composed of various groups, …show more content…
The same concept applies for healthcare administrators and providers. Diversity among healthcare administrators and competence in the health field has been addressed many times in the previous decades following ethnic minority psychologists’ and other raising concerns of lack of diversity in America dating back primarily to the 1960's. Diversity is a conceptualization that includes many aspects like gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and sexuality. (Sue, Zane, Nagayama, & Berger, 2009) Diversity in healthcare is crucial as it better reflects the racial and ethnic makeup in America. Hiring decisions are made at top levels, therefore, there is a need for executives who are more diverse. According to John Bluford, president and CEO of two-hospital Truman Medical Centers in Kansas City, Mo., “Diverse perspectives yield better decisions, and better decisions yield better outcomes." “Those who are in a diverse environment are going to be more successful …show more content…
It is imperative that healthcare managers recruit diverse leaders and embrace cultural competency. Witt/Kieffer conducted a survey nationally in 2011 to illustrate that diversity leadership in healthcare organizations today. (Witt/Kieffer, 2011) Witt/Kieffer is a national firm that was founded in 1969 and specializes in non-for-profit organizations, higher education, and healthcare. The mission is to recognize leadership solutions for organizations that are designed to improve the quality of life such as health systems, hospitals, medical centers, medical schools, colleges, universities, and community service organizations. Each year Witt/Kieffer conducts about 400 search assignments and research projects for presidents, CEOs, CFOs, and COOs to assist these organizations in becoming better. (Witt/Kieffer, 2011) According to Witt/Kieffer, there are four elements to diversity in healthcare. The first is representation which means reflecting employees, communities, and patients. The second element of diversity is inclusiveness which is welcoming, mentoring, training, and listening to diverse employees. Cultural competency focuses being responsive and respectful of individuals with cultural backgrounds. Lastly, education, skills, and gender play a vital role in diversity. (Witt/Kieffer,