Table 2

Themes and subthemes (quartile 4 only)

Themes (% statements)Subthemes (n statements)
Virtuous support (45%)

  1. Aware of and flexible towards individual staff members’ circumstances (emergencies and so on) (178)

  2. Actively supports staff when necessary/acts as staff advocate (152)

  3. Acts to solve problems/resolve conflicts (130)

Communication (33%)

  1. Sensitive, active listener (212)

  2. Available/approachable/open/makes time to listen (120)

Personal virtues of the manager (22%)

  1. Empathic/understanding/ accepting/ non-judgemental/warm (151)

  2. Considerate/attentive/kind/amiable (70)