Relationship between leadership transparency and workplace cynicism among nurses: a systematic review and...

In healthcare organisations such as the NHS, transparency is a crucial facet of effective leadership, with characteristics such as open communication, consistent information sharing and trusting relationships promoting a shared sense of purpose among staff and subsequently positively influencing patient outcomes. However, many nurses display cynicism towards their employing organisations and leaders, characterised by negative attitudes, scepticism and distrust. This article details a systematic review and meta-analysis that examined the association between leadership transparency and workplace cynicism among nurses, focusing on predictors, mechanisms and outcomes. Nineteen studies involving a total of 8,360 nurses met the inclusion criteria. A significant negative association was found between leadership transparency and workplace cynicism among nurses. Leadership transparency was linked to greater trust, reduced emotional exhaustion and enhanced team alignment. Overall, leadership transparency has a key role in reducing workplace cynicism among nurses by fostering trust, ethical communication and psychological safety.