The relationship of communication skills with leadership style and conflict management strategies of head nurses: A cross-sectional study in Northern Iran

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Study populationThis cross-sectional study employed a descriptive-analytical approach.Out of 178 working head nurses in university hospitals affiliated with GOUMS, 166 (response rate: 93%) were included in the study through a census method.Inclusion criteria encompassed the willingness to participate in the project and a minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience.Additionally, questionnaires with numerous blank or incorrect answers were excluded from the study. HighlightsWhat is current knowledge?Head nurses, as operational managers of hospitals, must have strong communication skills, know the leadership methods and conflict management strategies well, and accordingly, apply a correct management method to play an active role in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of performance in the hospital and providing quality services. What is new here?The study assessed the communication skills of head nurses and found them to be at a significantly high level of proficiency.In addition, the predominant conflict management strategy employed by head nurses was nonconfrontational in nature.Furthermore, the dominant leadership style adopted by head nurses was identified as charismatic in nature.