The nature of leadership style in nursing management

The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of leadership styles used by nurse managers, and describe staff nurses' perceptions of leadership styles. Effective leadership among nurse managers has been associated with staff nurse job satisfaction and retention. Twenty staff nurses from two hospitals in Ghana responded to tape-recorded interview questions. Four themes emerged from inductive analysis of the data. Findings suggest that nurse managers employed intimidation and minimal consultation to control their employees. The study further indicated that nurse managers were perceived as 'figure-heads', who are weak and inarticulate at the level of policy planning and implementation. It was therefore concluded that staff nurses in the study site hospitals lack confidence, trust and satisfaction with the current style of leadership. Staff nurses preferred a more proactive, articulate and independent nursing leadership at the top level. It is recommended that effective leadership training be instituted for prospective nurse managers before appointments are made into management and administrative positions.