Comparison of leadership orientations, self-leadership, and entrepreneurship characteristics according to the job workplace settings of occupational therapists: a proposed of a leadership framework

Abstract Introduction Occupational therapists exhibit different leadership orientations, possess self-leadership skills, and show entrepreneurial traits while working in various workplace settings such as having their own practice, working in the private sector, providing services in public hospitals, or assuming academic positions. Objective The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of leadership orientations, self-leadership and entrepreneurial traits of occupational therapists working in Turkey, focusing on their workplace settings. Method The present study encompassed a sample of 109 occupational therapists, who were classified into four distinct occupational categories: business/entrepreneurs, clinicians in the private sector, clinicians in public hospitals, and academicians. The participants completed several assessment instruments, including the demographic information form, the Leadership Orientations Scale, the Self-Leadership Scale, and the Entrepreneurial Personality Characteristics Scale. Results Private sector clinicians scored higher in political-transformational leadership orientation, while business/entrepreneurs scored higher in structural leadership orientation. Business/entrepreneurs and private sector clinicians scored higher in people-oriented and symbolic-charismatic leadership orientation than public hospital and academicians. In self-leadership traits, private sector clinicians scored higher in natural reward strategies and constructive thinking model strategies than public hospital clinicians. Business/entrepreneurs had higher risk-taking tendency, locus of control and self-confidence. Conclusion Occupational therapists in various situations exhibit unique leadership, self-leadership, and entrepreneurial traits. The study provides practical implications for the practitioners and organizations by examining the impact of various job settings on leadership and self-leadership through a complete framework for occupational therapy candidates. This serves as a guide for OTs to actively explore leadership qualities and choose appropriate workplace settings.