Identifying the constructs of empowering nurse leader communication through an instrument development process

The purpose of this article was to describe the constructs of empowering front-line nurse leader communication behaviours.

Leaders' communication behaviours are instrumental in establishing a positive work environment. Nurse empowerment, a characteristic of a positive work environment, is influenced by communication behaviours. However, characteristics of empowering nurse leader communication behaviours have not been well-defined.

The constructs of empowering nurse leader communication behaviours were identified and refined during the instrument development process. A priori constructs were identified through a literature search, presented to focus groups of military nurses (N = 16), and refined during the procedures of item development.

Eight final constructs emerged as a result of the iterative methods of item development: comprehensibility, listening, openness, feedback, empathy, nonverbal, paralanguage and manner.

The constructs that describe empowering nurse leader communication behaviours are based on theoretical tenets of empowering communication and leadership, as well as the perspectives of military nurses.

Nurse managers can use the findings to implement innovative leadership assessments and training that focuses on Nurse Leader communication to enhance the nursing workplace environment.