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.