The psychiatrist as administrator and organizational leader. An application of social psychiatry.

Clinical and administrative roles and skills have similarities and differences. The clinician who moves from principle clinical responsibility to principle administrative responsibility must learn which behaviors are facilitating and productive and which are impeding. This communication describes the similarities and differences between therapeutic and administrative behaviors and some of the potential difficulties at times of transition. It also advises about preparatory educational experiences in the course of training. The authors call attention to the applications of the field of Social Psychiatry to the questions raised.