A longitudinal study of the school-to-work transition of early careerist healthcare managers
Abstract
In this exploratory longitudinal qualitative study, we examine the lived experiences of 12 graduates from a traditional undergraduate programme in health administration over two years during the school-to-work transition (STWT). Participants were interviewed prior to graduation, quarterly during the first year and semi-annually during the second year. They were questioned about their STWT experiences, with a particular focus on the socialisation process into their organisation and career area. Grounded theory analysis found that individuals define successful STWTs using objective (ie employment, promotion) and subjective measures (career adaptability, work satisfaction). Organisational and professional industry commitment are also considered measures of success in the STWT. Factors supporting successful STWT included organisational socialisation, organisational support, proactive socialisation, work competence, coaching and mentoring. An integrated model of the successful STWT from individual and organisational perspectives is provided, and recommendations are made for healthcare organisations aiming to improve STWT outcomes.
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Author's Biography
Mark J. Bonica , PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. His research is focused on the career transitions of healthcare leaders, examining professional development across career stages from entry to retirement. Prior to joining the faculty at UNH, he served as a US Army Medical Service Corps officer for 23 years.
Cindy L. Hartman , PhD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation Management and Policy at the University of New Hampshire. Her research focuses on the interplay of leisure and lifespan development, with a special focus on the emerging adulthood life phase (18–25 age range). She continues to work with colleagues on research exploring leisure participation and its relationship with development in areas of health and well-being, body image, cultural learning and student engagement.
Citation
Bonica, Mark J. and Hartman, Cindy L. (2021, December 1). A longitudinal study of the school-to-work transition of early careerist healthcare managers. In the Management in Healthcare: A Peer-Reviewed Journal, Volume 5, Issue 2. https://doi.org/10.69554/DFOC6720.
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