Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine and understand characteristics that exist in frontline leaders in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.Methodology. This qualitative study answered the research question identifying the critical characteristics that impact frontline leaders' performance. Two subquestions focused on the source or development of these characteristics and the external or environmental requirements that enable effective performance of a frontline leader. A snowball sampling method was used to interview 12 participants from different levels of the pharmaceutical manufacturing organization, including frontline employees, frontline team leaders, and individuals who manage frontline leaders. Member checking and peer review ensured validity and reliability.Findings. There were four themes identified from the study. With respect to the central research question, the research identified two clear themes. The ability to adapt and respond to a changing environment is critical to the effectiveness of the frontline team leader. In concert with this theme, participants were aligned on the importance of a team leader's possession of behavioral characteristics that enabled strong relationships. The third theme identified that the participants largely had an aligned viewpoint that all effective development of these skills occurs on the floor by observation and practicing, rather than from a formal training. The final theme identified was the importance that a support network plays in the performance of the frontline leader.Conclusion. Analysis of the findings concluded that participants across the organizational levels were aligned with characteristics critical to the frontline leader's success. In addition, there was a unified view on the method that these characteristics are developed and the external requirements that need to be in place for effective performance.Recommendations. Recommendations for future research include (a) expand beyond the 12 participants involved in this study, and utilize (b) a more geographically diverse population, (c) a quantitative study or mixed methods research that would be an opportunity to achieve concrete quantifiable data that could either support or refute the findings of this study, or (d) a cross-sectional survey of human resources organizations in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry to better understand the focus and variability that exists within the training and development programs toward frontline leaders.