Title: The effect of macro-environmental variables on leader behaviour in clinical pathology laboratories

Authors: Garry R. Douglass, Jack M. Wood

Addresses: Hunter Area Pathology Service, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia. Monash Mt Elisa Business School, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

Abstract: The effect of macro-environmental variables, including factors such as the general environment, specific environment, context (size and technology) and structure upon leader behaviours, discretionary leadership and required leadership were analysed in 74 clinical pathology laboratories (CPLs) in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. We hypothesised that macro environmental variables stimulate leaders to adjust their leader behaviours to compensate for unique variations confronting them. The study showed that as macro environmental complexity increased, more discretion was needed to bridge the gap between predicted and real conditions. Significant relationships were found for specific environment, context and structure with both discretionary leadership and required leadership. General environment complexity however, did not relate to any leader behaviour.

Keywords: clinical pathology laboratories; environment; leadership.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.1999.001053

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 1999 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.209-226

Published online: 30 Jun 2003 *

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