The collective accountability through relationships toward wellbeing model: reimagining leadership roles for occupational therapy action against climate change

Introduction: Scholars in occupational therapy, specifically, have long recognized the existential threat posed by climate change, and an increasing number urge for occupational therapy’s involvement in proposing solutions. With the unique expertise on the multifaceted influences on everyday activities, occupational therapy has a distinct role in addressing climate change and setting an example for other healthcare professions. Existing understanding of leadership demands reimagination that emphasizes interdependency of systems rather than values of predominating Western individualism. Objective: To address these concerns, we propose a novel model of leadership that accounts for the demands of the changing climate and can be utilized by occupational therapists. Methods: Drawing from leadership theories, systems thinking, and brokering of knowledge, we suggest incorporation of relational and collective perspectives that consider human and non-human life across time. Additionally, we provide several examples of such leadership in uniprofessional, interprofessional, and community-based occupational therapy settings. Results: We propose the Collective Accountability through Relationships towards Wellbeing (CAR-WeB) Model that represents interdependent aims: wellbeing of current and future generations, collective action for accountability, egalitarian relationships, and diverse, contextual knowledge of the local cultures and communities. Conclusion: Occupational therapists can look to the CAR-WeB model to support re-imaginations of leadership across and beyond healthcare settings.