An Occupational Perspective on Leadership: Theoretical and Practical Dimensions

With consistent efforts of current professional leadership to encourage occupational therapists to increase their visibility in local, state, and national affairs related to the profession, it is necessary to provide specific tools for bridging the gap in knowledge concerning leadership.

An Occupational Perspective on Leadership: Theoretical and Practical Dimensions is a unique text that will serve to provide an overview of current theoretical perspectives of leadership and an application of these theories to occupational therapy academic, and practice arenas.

In addition to leadership theories, An Occupational Perspective on Leadership provides an overview of occupational theoretical models for occupational therapists to formulate an integrated approach that is also founded on core concepts of the profession. Theoretical models such as the Person-Environment-Occupation Model will be used to exemplify how leadership can be viewed through an occupation-oriented lens.

Sandra Barker Dunbar and several contributing authors blend the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework, as well as Occupational Therapy Models throughout the text. Case examples of leadership are also included, creating a one-of-a kind text that will incorporate the requirements that Master and Doctoral curricula must meet.

As the profession continues to promote leadership, An Occupational Perspective on Leadership: Theoretical and Practical Dimensions is a must-have text for entry-level professionals, as well as doctoral students. Practicing occupational therapists will also benefit from the exposure to leadership theories and their application in the clinical realm.

Sandra (Sandee) Barker Dunbar completed her undergraduate degree at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA, her master of arts in occupational therapy from New York University in New York City, and her doctor of public administration degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The latter degree exposed her to organizational behavior, leadership, management, and strategic planning content, all of which have influenced her work in occupational therapy.

She currently teaches leadership content on both the masters and doctoral levels of education at Nova Southeastern University as part of her occupational role as professor. She has also held several management and leadership positions in clinical and academic settings throughout her years in the occupational therapy profession. Sandee enjoys mentoring activities, including this project with Nova Southeastern University.