Saudi Women’s Views on Healthcare Leadership in the Era of Saudi 2030 Health Transformation

Abstract

Introduction

Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes women’s empowerment and their increased participation in the workforce, particularly in healthcare. This study explores perceptions of Saudi women healthcare practitioners in leadership roles across various healthcare settings.

Methods

A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted, guided by the Leadership Effectiveness Model. It assessed the perceptions of Saudi women health practitioners in leadership positions within the country’s healthcare context. Survey questions were adapted from validated surveys. Women classified as “Consultants” by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties were invited to participate. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used for analysis. A total of 119 Saudi women consultants participated.

Discussion

Most were physicians (85%) in the Western region (46%) and reported being in leadership roles. Leadership positively impacted their career growth but negatively affected leisure activities. Career progression challenges included further studies (35%) and work-life balance (31%). Leadership commitment to supporting women was seen as crucial (63%). Analysis of responses to Vision 2030 yielded themes like “advancement”, “opportunities”, and “empowerment”. Saudi Vision 2030, combined with evolving organizational cultures and policies, is creating opportunities for women to excel in leadership roles.

Conclusion

National strategies, combined with workplace norm changes and supportive policies, can foster greater representation of qualified women in elite healthcare leadership positions.

Keywords:

• healthcare transformation
• leadership
• perception
• challenges
• Saudi Arabia

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Saudi Commission For Health Specialties (protocol code SRP-00000182 on Oct 5th, 2021).

Data Sharing Statement

The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to ethical restrictions.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Healthcare Leadership Academy, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. We thank Ms Safa Alakhdair for her coordination and support. We also thank our exceptional leaders, Dr Manal AlNasser, Dr Yousra AlAteeq, Dr Abeer AlTamimi, Dr Noura AlZamil, Dr Ghazwa Kareem, and Dr Ameera Cluntun as they provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research, although they may not agree with all the interpretations/conclusions of this paper.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially funded by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.