ABSTRACT
This paper, based on data taken from in-depth interviews with senior midwives and obstetricians and conducted as part of a critical ethnographic study, argues for a greater appreciation of person-centred, value-led midwifery practice. The paper begins with a discussion of the way midwifery practice is shaped by encoded and embodied knowledge. The paper subsequently focuses on an emergent practice-based leadership using an adapted Aristotelian conceptual framework derived from MacIntyre [(Citation2007). After virtue (3rd ed.). London: Duckworth]. Professional dissonance is highlighted as a difficulty experienced by repositioned managers who are also expected to be leaders in their field. Using data gathered from in-depth interviews it is contended that establishing person-centred care might be better achieved through the development of practice-based leadership (rather than solely by adherence to organisational requirements). This type of leadership could potentially nurture a professional environment that promotes qualities such as agency, commitment and high levels of competence among midwives. Such leadership is central to UK government priorities and is applicable to a global practice development agenda.
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the participating midwives, obstetricians and childbearing women.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
ORCID
Ruth Deery http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3507-8129
Pamela Fisher http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7121-5485