Lived Experiences of Radiologic Technologists Heads on Managerial Readiness

Radiologic technologists often transition into managerial roles without formal preparation, underscoring the need to understand the factors influencing their readiness for leadership positions. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of radiologic technologist heads to uncover the dimensions of managerial readiness within tertiary hospital settings. This phenomenological study was conducted across the Davao Region, Philippines, from June 2024 to April 2025, to understand the underlying dimensions of managerial readiness in tertiary hospitals. The study engaged 15 purposively selected participants—eight in in-depth interviews and seven in focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative data, resulting in the extraction of 16 essential themes. These included process optimization, resource management, unplanned leadership opportunities, shifting managerial roles, professional mentorship, team collaboration, strategic decision-making, policy adherence, leadership preparedness, communication dynamics, authority challenges, inclusivity, quality improvement, leadership styles, and accessible leadership development. The findings revealed that managerial readiness is shaped by a range of interrelated factors—personal growth, organizational context, relational dynamics, and leadership exposure. These insights contribute to the development of more targeted leadership programs and policy reforms aimed at supporting radiologic technologists in assuming managerial roles. Furthermore, the themes align with existing competency frameworks, such as the Great Eight Competency Theory, reinforcing their theoretical significance. It is recommended that healthcare institutions implement structured leadership development initiatives to enhance the managerial readiness of radiologic technologists based on the identified dimensions.