Nursing and values‐based leadership: A literature review

Abstract

In the 21st century, theories of leadership have re-emerged, with a focus on the leader's value base. Copeland (2014) identified 11 leadership theories situated within the sphere of values-based leadership; however, these all pertained to a business-management focus.In conducting this review, it emerged that within nursing, three main leadership theories appear under the umbrella of the values-based leadership domain. As such, this review went beyond values-based leadership literature, to capture data related to authentic leadership, servant leadership and congruent leadership, aiming to gain a wider understanding of values-based leadership. This paper begins with an overview and definition of values-based leadership and the three leadership theories identified, before describing a literature review that explored each of the theories, supporting a wider understanding from a nursing perspective.

Impact of leadership on the nursing workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…There is a large body of evidence related to leadership in nursing, 15–19 which mostly supports transformational, relational and ethical leadership being associated with better job satisfaction 15 19 and improved patient and staff outcomes. 17 18 This is in contrast to the style of command and control leadership recommended and adopted in many healthcare organisations during the first wave of the pandemic, 20–23 including the one in which the current study was based. Typical crisis management includes command and control leadership, with centralised decision making and communication.…”

How Does Servant Leadership Nurture Nurses’ Job Embeddedness? Uncovering Sequential Mediation of Psychological Contract Fulfillment and Psychological Ownership

“…Servant leadership believes in improving individuals' lives and focuses on creating better organizations and a caring world [12]. A recent literature review of leadership in healthcare by [13] considered the scarcity of empirical research exploring the efectiveness and benefts of servant leadership. In response to their research call, this study posits that servant leadership will positively infuence nurses' job embeddedness.…”

The context, contribution and consequences of addressing the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative exploration of executive nurses' perspectives

“…Examples included managing the crisis in the aged care setting, leading health policy decision‐making, implementing innovative models of care, and preparing staffing resources for adapted COVID and suspected COVID patient care pathways. The crisis circumstances of the pandemic provided an opportunity for nursing to work to top of practice and illustrated interprofessional working and collaboration practices of values‐based leadership (James et al, 2021 ). This collaboration included within the metro EDONM group where increased meeting frequency supported sharing of operational approaches and resources, alongside relevant knowledge and skills.…”

“…Those in management positions have a double responsibility, addressing both patient and staff needs and safety. Addressing patient outcomes, and work environment and job satisfaction are part of values‐based leadership models (James et al, 2021 ). Participants reported ethical dilemmas (e.g.…”