Navigating collaborative problem-solving in rural veterinary practice: A case study about the influence of KAI in shaping adaptive leadership

There is a shortage of food animal veterinarians in the United States, especially in rural communities. Food animal veterinarians care for animals raised for food and fiber, and therefore have a direct impact on maintaining a healthy food supply. Food animal exclusive veterinarians make up only 1.3% of the veterinary profession and 4.4% of veterinarians care for both food and companion animals. Moreover, the number of graduates entering food animal veterinary medicine has declined in recent decades, contributing to the shortage. Although there are many factors contributing to the food animal veterinary shortage in rural communities, retaining staff due to high levels of stress and burnout are commonly reported challenges in rural practices. This research aimed to explore the perceived impact collaborative problem-solving training had in a rural veterinary practice. The training was based on Kirton’s Adaption Innovation Theory (KAI), which focuses on preferred problem-solving styles in bringing about change. To understand the lived experiences of veterinarians who participated in KAI training, a phenomenological case study approach was employed. One-on-one interviews and a focus group interviews were conducted. Data collected from interviews were triangulated with direct observations and document analysis memos through inductive coding. There were nine emergent themes from the data: (a) revolutionary experience; (b) self-awareness for collaboration, (c) improved communication, (d) transformed approach to leadership and partnership, (e) reflection on use of coping behaviors, (f) relationship dynamics, (g) stress and burnout, (h) the crucial need for non-technical skills, and (i) applauding adaptiveness. The study’s findings revealed an overall positive experience for veterinarians who participated in KAI training. KAI awareness transformed how veterinarians approached collaborative problem-solving. Increased knowledge of cognitive diversity (i.e. preferred problem-solving styles) increased their perceived ability to navigate change and solve complex challenges through collaboration. With perceived improved collaboration and effective communication, veterinarians described a decrease in the use of coping behaviors (i.e. operating outside of one’s preferred problem-solving style) and stress, leading to a more supportive workplace and higher job satisfaction. Veterinarians discussed the importance of adaptive leadership behaviors, addressed the need for non-technical skills in veterinary medicine, and called for additional leadership training throughout the profession.