Radiography managers’ views on coaching and mentoring as an essential leadership development tool: A qualitative study

Introduction Providing high-quality radiography services requires motivated and self-sufficient managers. Leadership can be developed through coaching and mentoring, yet few studies have examined these practices in radiography settings. This qualitative study explored the views and perceptions of radiography managers employed in public healthcare institutions regarding the role of coaching and mentoring in facilitating the transition into management and supporting ongoing leadership development. Methods This study was conducted in healthcare institutions in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Radiographers employed as managers of radiography departments were purposively sampled, and data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis approach. Results Twenty-two radiography managers participated. Five themes emerged from the interviews: 1) management preparedness, 2) conceptualization of coaching, 3) conceptualization of mentoring, 4) transition into management positions, and 5) systemic and organizational factors influencing coaching and mentoring. Radiography managers'reflections indicated that they struggled to transition into management roles and that formalized coaching and mentoring programs tailored to radiography managers were needed. Conclusion Radiography managers perceive coaching and mentoring as valuable tools for developing leadership competencies. The managers in this study believed that coaching and mentoring would have eased their transition into management roles. Plain language summary Radiography managers need leadership skills to run services effectively, and coaching and mentoring may help them develop these skills. This study interviewed radiography managers in public healthcare institutions in South Africa about their experiences of moving into management roles and their views on coaching and mentoring. This study found that many managers struggled with the transition to leadership positions and believed that structured coaching and mentoring programs would have helped them develop confidence and management skills. This matters because stronger leadership support may help managers perform their roles more effectively and contribute to high-quality radiography services.