Shared governance: a strategy for transforming organizations. Part 2

Nursing leaders know change is not easy: it produces varying degrees of chaos and ambiguity. Maintaining control and traditional structure to minimize either chaos or ambiguity, however, does not achieve the final goal: organizational transformation and effective responses to changes in the environment and the organization. Given our current environment and its demands, we must remember that superficial changes will not address the fundamental problems. Transforming philosophies are relevant and needed in organizations. Transformation requires a shift in our perspectives, our attitudes, and our beliefs. Shared governance is one strategy for assisting in transforming nursing organizations. By sharing power and control with staff, leaders can effectively help to empower the whole and provide leadership that is visionary and creative. The end result of this transformation is meaningful collaboration and a humane, quality nursing system responsive to client needs.