To be seen in the shadow of change : A qualitative study on communication and professional identity during leadership transitions in elder care facilities

This study explores how assistant nurses experience a leadership change within a municipal nursing home. The aim is to investigate what factors influence their perception of the change, and how the new leadership affects their professional identity and work motivation. The study is based on two main research questions: What factors affect assistant nurses' experience of a leadership change, and how does the change influence their professional identity and work motivation? The empirical material consists of eleven semi-structured interviews with assistant nurses working at a municipal nursing home that recently underwent an organizational change involving the merger of two units and the appointment of a new manager. Thematic analysis has been used to identify recurring patterns and themes in the material. The analysis follows a deductive approach and is based on Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical concepts of habitus, field and capital, along with a sociological understanding of communication in organizational contexts. The results show that communication plays a central role in how changes are perceived. When information is lacking or unclear, feelings of frustration, uncertainty, and exclusion arise. In contrast, leadership characterized by openness and accessibility creates a sense of trust and participation. Some assistant nurses describe feeling more empowered and visible in their professional roles, while others express uncertainty and hesitation about what is expected in the new order. The study highlights how leadership transitions not only affect practical aspects of the workplace but also impact social relations, confidence, and motivation. The findings emphasize the importance of communicative leadership, especially in care environments where interpersonal relationships are central to daily work.