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Implementation Science
Published in: Implementation Science 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Advancing theory development: exploring the leadership–climate relationship as a mechanism of the implementation of cultural competence

Authors: Erick G. Guerrero, Karissa Fenwick, Yinfei Kong

Published in: Implementation Science | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Leadership style and specific organizational climates have emerged as critical mechanisms to implement targeted practices in organizations. Drawing from relevant theories, we propose that climate for implementation of cultural competence reflects how transformational leadership may enhance the organizational implementation of culturally responsive practices in health care organizations.

Methods

Using multilevel data from 427 employees embedded in 112 addiction treatment programs collected in 2013, confirmatory factor analysis showed adequate fit statistics for our measure of climate for implementation of cultural competence (Cronbach’s alpha = .88) and three outcomes: knowledge (Cronbach’s alpha = .88), services (Cronbach’s alpha = .86), and personnel (Cronbach’s alpha = .86) practices.

Results

Results from multilevel path analyses indicate a positive relationship between employee perceptions of transformational leadership and climate for implementation of cultural competence (standardized indirect effect = .057, bootstrap p < .001). We also found a positive indirect effect between transformational leadership and each of the culturally competent practices: knowledge (standardized indirect effect = .006, bootstrap p = .004), services (standardized indirect effect = .019, bootstrap p < .001), and personnel (standardized indirect effect = .014, bootstrap p = .005).

Conclusions

Findings contribute to implementation science. They build on leadership theory and offer evidence of the mediating role of climate in the implementation of cultural competence in addiction health service organizations.
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Metadata
Title
Advancing theory development: exploring the leadership–climate relationship as a mechanism of the implementation of cultural competence
Authors
Erick G. Guerrero
Karissa Fenwick
Yinfei Kong
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Implementation Science / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1748-5908
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-017-0666-9

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