Predictors of transformational leadership of nurse managers

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the relationships among education, leadership experience, emotional intelligence and transformational leadership of nurse managers. Background Nursing leadership research provides limited evidence of predictors of transformational leadership style in nurse managers. Methods A predictive correlational design was used with a sample of nurse managers (n = 148) working in varied health care settings. Data were collected using the Genos Emotional Intelligence Inventory, the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire. Simple linear and multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships. Results A statistically significant relationship was found between emotional intelligence and transformational leadership (r = 0.59, P < 0.001) explaining 34% variance in transformational leadership. Conclusions Nurse managers should be well informed of the predictors of transformational leadership in order to pursue continuing education and development opportunities related to those predictors. Implications for nursing management The results of this study emphasise the need for emotional intelligence continuing education, leadership development and leader assessment programmes.