ROLE EXPECTATIONS OF THE FIELD VETERINARIANS AS REVEALED BY THE CRITICAL INCIDENTS TECHNIQUE

The study was confined to the senior veterinary surgeons and other mature field veterinarians
(with a service record of about ten years or more) belonging to the State Government Department
of Animal Husbandry of one of the southern states of India. With regard to the role expectations of
the veterinarians, the animal owner expected him to be a good and accessible clinician who has got
competence in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of diseases in their animals. They
expected him to be committed and keep his promises to them too. The superior officers expected
him to be an able administrator and extension worker who performs the tasks in time and in
accordance with rules. The members of outside organizations especially the authorities of local
bodies expected him to be a good clinician, an active administrator and extension worker who make
them participate in decision making in the administrative and extension work. The colleagues
expected him to be cooperative and to stick on to the professional ethics. The subordinates were
found expecting him to be an efficient manager, cordial to them, guide them, control them, advise
them, help them in crises and encourage them by appreciating and recognizing their abilities