Value-oriented leadership among nurse managers in multicultural healthcare: a phenomenological study

This study explores how internalized ethical and spiritual value systems shape clinical leadership, addressing a critical research gap in the management of multicultural healthcare settings.

Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 nurse managers between January and February 2026. The study focused on the lived experiences of leaders who integrate personal belief systems into their administrative roles.

Five overarching themes emerged: Leadership as a Transpersonal Calling; Ethical Governance Rooted in Internalized Values (Integrity and Moral Consistency); Humanistic Dimensions of Care and Leadership (Proactive Empathy); Negotiating Professional and Personal Identity (Harmonizing Role Expectations with Personal Beliefs), and; Resilience through Mentorship (Seeking Reflective Guidance).

Nurse managers perceive leadership as a transpersonal calling, emphasizing service-oriented morality as a core professional virtue. While integrating personal values with professional expectations poses unique challenges, participants demonstrated a high degree of balance through strategic reflection and peer support. This underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive leadership training, organizational support for diverse belief systems, and structured mentorship programs. Acknowledging the role of internalized values in leadership is crucial for fostering inclusive healthcare environments and developing globally relevant leadership curricula.

Not applicable.