Predictors of transformational leadership of nurse managers

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.