NURSE SUPERVISOR'S LEADERSHIP: ¿HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE CLINICAL NURSES?

Abstract

This article reports opinions obtained in 43 interviews and 4 workshops, in which, among other topics, the ways leadership is exercises by supervisors of public and private hospitals was analyzed. Additionally results from the application of the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire [MLQ] are presented (N = 274). Results showed that, there are three ways through which influence is exercised: conversations, being chosen as a role model, and indirectly, through Influence over the nursing group, which at the same time influences each nurse. In conversations, supervisors utilized action sequences that sought to decrease emotional influence, to analyze problems; to agree on corrective actions, and eventually to supervise the corrective process. At the same time, it appears that the work load and other limiting factors affect the supervisors' influence, orienting to carry out transactional type actions. Conclusions indicate that it is necessary to develop models that grasp the complexity and collective character of the leadership process in the nursing profession.