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Leadership in limbo: Characteristics of successful incident commanders in health sector of a disaster‐prone country

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  • Ali Nasiri
  • Aidin Aryankhesal
  • Hamidreza Khankeh

Abstract

Objective Iran, as one of the most disaster‐prone countries in the world, is exposed to a wide range of hazards. Hence, the health sector should be prepared to deal with the consequences of emergencies. This study aimed to explore Iranian disaster management status and to identify the necessary characteristics of successful incident commanders in this field. Methods A qualitative content analysis was designed using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 30 commanders and experts, selected by purposeful sampling, who had first‐hand experiences in managing health disasters. Field notes, formal institutional reports, and photos were employed as well. Verbatim transcribed interviews and other data sources were analyzed using constant comparison method. Ethical issues were considered carefully throughout the study process. Results Two main themes were developed: The first theme, "limbo situation," as expression of the problem describes inadequacies and complexities of disaster management in Iranian health sector, including seven categories. The second theme was "effective disaster leadership" consisting of "commanders' traits" and "commanders' competencies" as subthemes. Conclusions The study demonstrated the chaotic feature of disaster management in Iran and probably some other developing countries, with crucial and unclear role of field commanders. Working under stress, time pressure, uncertainty, and management of paradoxes needs timely and on‐field decision making. This study revealed that Iranian health sector incident commanders should be transformational leaders with the ability of influencing subordinate staff and have Janusian thinking skills for overcoming the existing limbo situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Nasiri & Aidin Aryankhesal & Hamidreza Khankeh, 2019. "Leadership in limbo: Characteristics of successful incident commanders in health sector of a disaster‐prone country," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(4), pages 1495-1509, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijhplm:v:34:y:2019:i:4:p:e1495-e1509
    DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2816
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robert Cote, 2017. "Vision of Effective Leadership," International Journal of Business Administration, International Journal of Business Administration, Sciedu Press, vol. 8(6), pages 1-10, September.
    2. Smith, Wendy K. & Lewis, Marianne W., 2012. "Leadership Skills for Managing Paradoxes," Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Cambridge University Press, vol. 5(2), pages 227-231, June.
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