ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the theories and concepts associated with motivation and leadership, and suggests how these may be used within this specialty. The ‘motivational’ factors can be misinterpreted as a rehash of the ‘carrot and stick’ approach but it is more complex, as individual motivation varies. Workplaces and work groups also have a role in motivation, as they provide a communication network and a cohesiveness that links the group. Leadership plays an important role in change management and service improvement. Leadership influences change and often manipulates and manages change. The Enron and WorldCom scandals prompted a desire for leaders who could be trusted, and this led to the concept and publication of Authentic Leadership by Bill George. The role of infection prevention and control practitioners is to ensure the staff has the education training and support to make the adaptations with confidence and to allow them to own the initiative and, it is to be hoped, the associated kudos.
