LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF ... - Drake University

programs at the university, for-profit, and not-for-profit levels continuously
work to define leadership success for their students and attempt to align
the perceived need with appropriate training. As with most skills, many
researchers agree that leadership skills and/or styles can be learned
(Arthur, Bennett, Edens, & Bell, 2003; Barling, Weber, & Kelloway, 1996;
Bass & Avolio, 2003; Conger & Kunungo, 1987; Crookall, 1989; DeMoulin,
1997). Development of the necessary skills to lead healthcare
organizations into the 21 century can contribute to the available pool of
effective hospital executives.
A 2003 report about the status of hospitals and health systems
illustrates the challenges specific to lowa hospital CEOs. This report,
"Profiles: Documenting the Social and Economic Importance of lowa
Hospitals and Health Systems" provided by the American and lowa
Hospital Associations, summarizes the environment in which lowa
hospitals and health systems operate. Information provided in the report
included hospital and health system organization, integration activities,
utilization, economics, finance, payment sources, personnel, population,
demographics, and elderly services (lowa Hospital Association, 2003).
lowa hospitals and health systems contribute greatly to the
economic well-being of lowa. Of all employment in lowa, 21.3% is in the
health sector with an annual impact of $9.5 billion. Rural healthcare
providers (which include rural, critical access, and rural referral hospitals)
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