A Comparison of Leadership Competencies among Doctors Practicing in Public and Private Hospitals in Jos Metropolis of Plateau State, Nigeria

AIM: This study aimed at assessing and comparing perceived leadership competencies of doctors occupying managerial positions in a public and various private hospitals in Jos metropolis of Plateau state, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, comparative multicenter study. It involved self-assessment by 27 doctors occupying managerial positions in public and private hospitals within Jos metropolis and peer-assessments by 89 health and nonhealth professionals who worked with the doctor–managers at the time of the study. The National Center for Healthcare Leadership competency model was used as the assessment tool. RESULTS: We found that perceived leadership competencies were low for all doctor–managers irrespective of their hospital affiliation. Distributions of these competencies varied with the private sector showing superiority for certain competencies. CONCLUSION: Perceived leadership competencies were low for the doctor–managers assessed. This calls for an innovative approach to the training and practice of health management in Jos Metropolis.