Importance and performance of managerial skills in the Australian aged care sector - a middle managers' perspective

AimThis study examined the importance and performance of middle managers' skills to provide a starting point for a sector-wide leadership and management framework. BackgroundThere is an increasing consensus that the quality of management, leadership and performance of any organisation is directly linked to the capabilities of its middle managers and the preparation and on-going training they receive. MethodA total of 199 middle managers from three aged care organisations in Australia participated in a questionnaire conducted during 2010-2011. ResultThis study found that middle managers perceived the need to develop their communication skills, self-awareness, change management, conflict resolution and leadership skills. ConclusionMiddle managers perceive a discrepancy between performance and importance of various managerial skills. This study demonstrated that provision of training needs to go beyond clinical skills development and further investigation into managers' needs is necessary, particularly considering the diversity of this critical group in organisations. Implications for nursing managementFuture training opportunities provided to middle managers need to address the softer' skills (e.g. communication) rather than technical' skills (e.g. clinical skills). The provision of training in these skills may improve their performance, which may also lead to increased job satisfaction, continuity in leadership and management and ultimately improvements in the quality of care provided.