Abstract
The purpose of this descriptive study was to estimate the prevalence and explore the perceptions of occupational therapists across the U.S. in regards to leadership positions in the school-based setting. A survey was completed by 116 occupational therapists who were members of either Early Intervention & School System, Developmental Disabilities, or Administration & Management special interest sections (SIS) of the American Occupational Therapy Association. The findings indicated that there is a higher prevalence of occupational therapists in formal leadership positions than the literature suggested, with 26% of respondents (n = 116) reporting that they have held a leadership position during their school-based career. Consistent with research (Fleming-Castaldy and Patro, 2012) citing additional degrees beyond the entry level occupational therapy degree as a possible predictor of leadership competencies, this study, indicated 40% (n= 30) of leaders were found to have post-professional degrees beyond their entry level occupational therapy degree while non-leaders were 25.3% (n= 83). This study found four key descriptive characteristics of leaders (a) formal education or continuing professional education, (b) self-initiative to build one’s skills or contribute to the organization, (c) having the desire for or interest in management role, and (d) seeking opportunities. This was consistent with Bondoc, Kroll, & Herz’s, (2008) study. Based on this survey and the previously mentioned studies it seems reasonable to suggest the attainment of leadership positions is supported through post-professional education to foster growth and competency around leadership skill development, the role of mentorship, and person-job fit.
Publication Place
Tacoma, Washington
Publisher
University of Puget Sound
Faculty Advisor
Yvonne Swinth, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA
Committee Chairperson
Publication Date
5-2016
Genre
Electronic Thesis
Format
Language
English
Copyright Information
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Degree Program
Occupational Therapy
Degree Level
Doctor
Discipline
Occupational Therapy
School
University of Puget Sound
Recommended Citation
Garza, Emily, "Factors Affecting the Capacity of Occupational Therapists to Serve in a Formal Leadership Position in the School-Based Practice Setting" (2016). School of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional Doctoral Theses. 1.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/drot_theses/1
Thesis Approval