New Study on Compassionate Love and Human Dignity in Healthcare Organizations

How do Dutch healthcare organizations embody love and human dignity in daily practice? And how do leaders differ in their views on human-centric organizing?

Researchers Henri Slob, Ard Jan Biemond, and Job van Exel have published a new study in the International Journal of Healthcare Management, exploring these themes. Based on interviews with forty managers from eleven healthcare and social care organizations, the study identifies five distinct perspectives on how love and dignity are perceived and practiced in the workplace.

The research shows that concepts like love and dignity are not merely philosophical or theological ideals, but can serve as guiding principles in leadership and organizational culture. Some managers focus on team wellbeing and psychological safety, while others lean more heavily on rules, hierarchy, or external constraints.

Five perspectives on compassionate leadership

The researchers describe five core perspectives:

• Building a healthy community – centered on relationships, safety, and personal development.
• Thinking for yourself – emphasizing employee autonomy and shared decision-making with clients.
• Adhering to moral values – ethics as a compass, with room for purpose-driven work.
• Following laws and standards – rule compliance and efficiency as leading principles.
• Managing top-down – with strong hierarchy and financial considerations driving decisions.

Despite these differences, there was a shared belief in the importance of supporting clients in making the right choices. At the same time, the study highlights opportunities for improving human-centric leadership — especially in environments dominated by bureaucracy or high workloads.

From theory to action

The study offers practical insights for leaders seeking to foster a culture of trust, open feedback, and shared responsibility. Creating space for reflection, autonomy, and genuine personal attention can help strengthen employee wellbeing and enhance the quality of care.

This study is a collaboration between the Erasmus School of Philosophy, the Erasmus Economics & Theology Institute, and the Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management.