Lauraine Spano-Szekely1, Mary T Quinn Griffin, Joanne Clavelle, Joyce J Fitzpatrick. 1. Author Affiliations: Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer, Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco, New York (Dr Spano-Szekely); Associate Professor (Dr Quinn Griffin) and Elizabeth Brooks Ford Professor of Nursing (Dr Fitzpatrick), Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; Senior Vice President/Chief Clinical Officer (Dr Clavelle), Scottsdale Lincoln Health Network 2, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study describes the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL) in nurse managers (NMs). BACKGROUND: Effective NM leadership is important as they have direct influence over RN performance and patient outcomes. Research has demonstrated that a TL style generates greater commitment from followers than other leadership styles. EI is 1 potential characteristic of TL. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory research study was conducted to correlate EI and TL practices of NMs. RESULTS: EI was significantly positively correlated with TL and outcome measures of extra-effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction and significantly negatively correlated with laissez-faire leadership. A positive relationship was found between TL and NMs with advanced education and administrative certification. CONCLUSION: Nursing administrators should consider EI characteristics when hiring NMs and lead efforts to advance education to align with organization needs for business and strategic essentials necessary for NM effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE: This study describes the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL) in nurse managers (NMs). BACKGROUND: Effective NM leadership is important as they have direct influence over RN performance and patient outcomes. Research has demonstrated that a TL style generates greater commitment from followers than other leadership styles. EI is 1 potential characteristic of TL. METHODS: A descriptive exploratory research study was conducted to correlate EI and TL practices of NMs. RESULTS: EI was significantly positively correlated with TL and outcome measures of extra-effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction and significantly negatively correlated with laissez-faire leadership. A positive relationship was found between TL and NMs with advanced education and administrative certification. CONCLUSION: Nursing administrators should consider EI characteristics when hiring NMs and lead efforts to advance education to align with organization needs for business and strategic essentials necessary for NM effectiveness.