Perceptions of visonary leadership of health promotion leaders

This study explored the leadership profiles of health promotion leaders by examining the relationship between the perceptions of specific leaders and their associates. It also compared measures of visionary leadership between two groups of leaders. Both groups of leaders (N = 93) completed a self-assessment of leadership abilities using The Leadership Profile, an instrument that measures dimensions of visionary leadership. Each leader from one of the two groups also requested that several of his or her associates complete the same questionnaire, assessing that leader's abilities. The results of this study were mixed, showing a relationship between self and associate ratings in one of two measured dimensions of visionary leadership. There were significant differences between the two groups in two of three dimensions of visionary leadership, and in overall visionary leadership. This exploratory study suggests that some leaders in the health promotion field exhibit visionary leadership, but there are areas that should be developed to ensure the future success of the discipline.