Coping strategies for managing the ineffective subordinate in nursing administration

Ineffective subordinates exist in various degrees in every organization, whether it be the health-care field or business. Nursing administration is no exception. This study examines the reasons why ineffective subordinates in nursing administration are retained by hospitals and the coping methods used by superiors in dealing with those subordinates. A questionnaire was used to identify both the reasons for retention and the coping methods used. Additionally, correlation analysis revealed that coping strategies are a function of the supervisor's age, his or her level of management, the perceived prevalence of the number of ineffective subordinates, organizational control of the hospital and various other hospital size factors.