Search

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of leadership styles on strategic leadership, as well as the integration and commitment to a change plan within a hospital environment. METHOD A quantitative study was conducted to measure the impact of leadership styles on the following factors: (a) strategic leadership, (b) integration of change, and (c) commitment to change. The research sample consisted of 280 employees working in general hospitals located in the area of Thessalia, Greece. The questionnaire used included several tools to measure the variables mentioned above. RESULTS The research revealed that the transformational leadership style's idealized influence and inspirational motivation characteristics were the most frequently adopted, while the passive laissez-faire style was the least utilized. Furthermore, the findings of this study showed a positive connection between both transactional and transformational leadership styles with the factors of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change. In contrast, the laissezfaire style exhibited a negative relationship with the variables of strategic leadership, integration of change, and commitment to change. CONCLUSIONS Effective leadership plays a crucial role in managing a health institute and successfully implementing a strategic organizational change plan. The commitment and integration of healthcare employees are essential assets for the successful execution of organizational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to calculate the load on the track in the position of a sleeper at the time when an isolated axle of the vehicle passes, it is necessary to determine the mass of the railway track that participates in the movement of the unsprung masses of the vehicle. In this paper, the track is modelled as a vibrating string. Its movement is analysed theoretically, and the length that participates and influences the movement of the unsprung masses is calculated. The result of the theoretical calculation is compared to the results of the measurements that have been carried out in a number of countries. The influence of the dynamic stiffness and damping of the track is also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the rationale, the method, and the alternative choices in the process of restructuring the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE). The most likely alternative structures regarding ownership and management issues of the new entities that will inherit the old OSE organization, and discusses the strategic implications of these alternatives are discussed. A critical view of the process of Greek railway reform and the evaluation results of the alternative organizational structures for the new situation are presented. It first presents the current experience in European Union and other countries of Europe, and the relative position of the Greek railways vis-à-vis the most common practices. The most likely options for the new organizational structure are presented which will result from the application of the European Union Directives and the Greek Law 2671/98 for the reorganization of the Greek railways. Based on a more detailed presentation of expected income and expenditures (i.e. economic viability) of the alternatives, a structure and a roadmap to these reforms is recommended for a successful and, above all 'implementable', reform of the Greek railways under the current conditions. Finally, the process for change and restructuring is described in terms of the basic principles and procedures that should be followed, and in terms of the necessary steps and procedures for the transition from the current to the new situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]