Upplevelse och behov av stöd i ledarskapet-- en kvalitativ studie bland första linjens chefer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to gain understanding and knowledge about first line manager’s need for support in their leadership and to get more insight into how they handle and perceives their work.

The research method is based on studies of relevant theories and qualitative interviews. Eight respondents were interviewed with a structured 40 question questionnaire about how they experience their work and the support they get. The study shows that there are three important categories of people that are most significant to the managers in their need of support. They are their own manager, colleagues and co-workers.

The conclusion is that it is important to create conditions for leaders to have good relationships with their closest manager, colleagues and co –workers. The manager of first line leaders should have good knowledge and competence within the sphere of activities he or she is responsible for. There must also be a legible structure in the organisation that creates safety.

Colleagues are as important as their manager in the experience of support and in the need for support. The interviewed managers turn to their colleagues spontaneously to discuss and reflect upon questions and problems that they feel uncertain about. It is important to create conditions so the managers can have a positive contact with their colleagues, where they have room to reflect and talk about their work. The co-workers and the activity they work with were experienced as very positive. From their co-workers the managers get a lot of feedback and support and when the activity develops they feel great satisfaction. The managers should also have more time to meet with and support their co-workers. The study also shows that managers own opinions are that they should not have responsibility for more than 30-40 co-workers. They can then develop good relationships with their co-workers which are also good support.