A skills gap analysis of radiographers in management positions

• Main Author: Burchell, Catherine Ann
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Radiography management; Radiographers' training
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4714

M.Tech. === To ensure that effective management development and training is incorporated in managerial training programmes, it is imperative that an analysis is undertaken to ascertain what skill gaps exist. The aim of the study was to survey the management expertise of Radiographers in management positions. Reference was made to identify specific skill gaps, and skill gap opportunities. The study also intended to determine whether specific trends existed in certain sectors of the public, private and mining health sector. The first part of the study consisted of a postal questionnaire. A total of two hundred and fifteen Radiographers in management positions from the public, private and mining hospitals in the Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga regions of South Africa were chosen for the study. The sample population was then contacted telephonically before the postal questionnaire commenced. An outline of what the research entailed was explained to each participant. The results were statistically analysed from a total of sixty-three technically correct questionnaires received. The findings were summarised by means of using descriptive statistics. Statistical analysis of the received data validated that management, interpersonal and leadership skills were shown to be lacking in all three sectors. These skills, according to all of the three sectors, required both reinforcing and developing. Skills of least importance which did not require reinforcing or developing included work roster strategy, recruitment strategy and tendering skills. The results obtained from the postal questionnaire were re-tested by means of a structured interview involving thirty Radiographers in management positions from the same regions to that of the postal questionnaire. Once the data had been compiled, descriptive statistics were again employed to summarise the findings. Participants expressed an interest in developing managerial skills relating to laws and regulations, conflict resolution, interpersonal skills and financial management. The findings of the research supported and acknowledged that, in order for competent managers and leaders to be trained and developed in the field of Radiography, a planned and purposeful approach should be adopted where skills gaps are analysed and focused upon.