TDNet Discover

Toxic leadership damages healthcare organizations by eroding trust, communication, and psychological safety. This capstone project addresses that challenge within Medical Associates of the Shoals by applying Transformational Leadership Theory to restore culture and strengthen performance. The study examines how leadership behaviors affect staff well-being, engagement, and patient care, while offering a plan to embed transformational practices into daily operations. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the project combines surveys, focus groups, interviews and review of organizational documents to capture patterns, validate findings across sources, and highlight lived experiences.. The analysis links leadership behaviors to outcomes, identifies factors that allow toxic leadership to take root, and highlights opportunities for meaningful change. The implementation plan translates evidence into specific strategies: leadership development, feedback and accountability systems, clear communication practices, and recognition programs that reinforce trust and shared purpose. Expected results include stronger engagement, lower burnout, reduced turnover, improved collaboration, and measurable gains in quality of care. Ultimately, this project offers a practical framework for moving from organizational harm toward lasting culture change. By aligning leadership behaviors with organizational strategy and values, Medical Associates of the Shoals can rebuild trust, restore belonging, and create an environment where both employees and patients thrive.