Leadership styles and EMR adoption: insights from Bali's primary care clinics.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to explore the influence of leadership styles, using full-range leadership theory (FRLT), and technology acceptance, guided by the technology acceptance model (TAM), on the implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) in primary care settings in Bali.

Design/methodology/approach: Using a mixed-methods approach, this research analyzes data from 120 primary care clinics in Bali with a total of 1,204 respondents. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys assessing leadership styles and EMR acceptance, supplemented by qualitative insights from 30 interviews and 6 focus group discussions. Statistical methods, including the Chi-Square Test of Independence and pairwise comparisons using adjusted residuals, were used to examine the relationships between leadership styles, EMR adoption, perceived usefulness and ease of use.

Findings: The Chi-Square Test of Independence revealed a significant association between leadership style and EMR adoption level (χ² = 30.33, p < 0.001). Transformational leadership was strongly associated with higher full EMR adoption rates, while Laissez-Faire leadership showed a significant association with no EMR adoption. Qualitative data supported these findings, emphasizing the critical role of proactive, supportive leadership in enhancing technology acceptance.

Originality/value: This study uniquely integrates FRLT and TAM within the context of EMR adoption in Bali's health-care system, providing new insights into how leadership and technology perceptions interact to influence implementation outcomes in a diverse health-care environment.