Assessing Leadership Styles in Patient Advocacy Associations: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Leaders’ characteristics are among the factors determining organizational results. Knowledge about the characteristics of patient advocacy association leaders remains scarce but is useful to further increase their involvement in decision-making processes. To fill this knowledge gap, using the Mouton and Blake managerial grid, we explored the leadership styles adopted by a sample of patient advocacy association leaders. We aimed to illustrate their profiles, thus offering a useful self-assessment tool. The majority of the 94 surveyed leaders showed the team leader style, and a smaller number presented less mature profiles. This research paves the way for future action to improve their leadership style.