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IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND MANAGEMENT 8(1): 1-8, 2023.
Transformational Leadership Style: Implication for Nursing Practice
Ogenyi Chika F.
Department of Business Administration Nexus International University Uganda.
ABSTRACT
Nurse leaders are responsible for fostering an atmosphere of ongoing education and
professional growth via the mentoring of their fellow nurses. They also serve as role
models for younger nurses, some of whom may eventually advance to leadership positions
within the nursing profession. Accordingly, building strong nurse leadership abilities are
very necessary for those who work in the nursing profession and want to develop their
careers. To develop one's leadership potential, it is frequently necessary to hone in on a
core set of abilities that are particularly applicable to nursing administration. These
abilities include the ability to make decisions, provide direction, resolve conflicts,
effectively communicate, and adjust to changing circumstances. Nurse leaders are
continually required to make choices, both big and little, ranging from the formulation of
rules for the nursing staff to the upkeep of patient records. Nurse leaders are looked up to
by resident nurses and other junior nurses for decision-making and guidance on a day-to-
day basis. Skills in efficient, unambiguous, and effective decision-making will result in a
health sector that is more structured and pushed in the direction it should go. Nurse
leaders are therefore required to use interpersonal and motivational leadership tactics in
order to effectively lead the individual and group of trainee nurses who report to them.
Within the context of the health care system, this paper reviewed transformational
leadership style and its implication for nursing practice.
Keywords: Transformational, Leadership, Style, Implication and Nursing.

INTRODUCTION
Transformational leaders have the [6; 7]. Accordingly, the transformational
capacity to instil confidence, staff leadership style is relevant in nursing
respect, and they express commitment practise as it is acknowledged to be
through a shared goal. This results in effective in raising effective, innovative,
greater production, strengthened self-motivated, leadership-oriented
employee morale, and happier work nurses. In the same vein, transformational
environments for everyone involved [1]. leadership constitutes one of the most
Hence, success as a leader is related to a widely applied leadership styles in
wide range of transformational leadership nursing leadership [8], owing to its ability
traits such as self-confidence and to enhance nursing job satisfaction [9].
inspiration, as well as emotional This position is supported by the [9] as
intelligence and symbolism [2]; [3]. well as Ferreira et al. [10], who opine that
Transformational leadership is anchored the motivational element of a
on the transformational theory of 4], and transformational leadership style has
[5]. According to the proponents of been linked with job satisfaction among
transformational theory, a nurses and other healthcare workers. This
transformational leader often possesses paper therefore explores a reflexive
four characteristics: idealised influence, account that depicts the conceptual,
inspirational motivation, intellectual theoretical, and healthcare implications of
simulation, and individual consideration transformation leadership style.
Transformational Leadership Style: Concepts and Application in Nursing Practice
The critical issue in nursing leadership that agree that leadership style is an
borders more on the leadership styles essential factor in determining the
that produce the best healthcare outcome standard of medical treatment. One of the
[11]. There are a great number of studies most important factors that determines

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whether or not a company will achieve its agreed upon by all parties concerned. A
goals and be successful is the quality of transformational leader is someone who
its leadership [12; 8; 10]. It has been is entrusted with the duty of transforming
shown that there are significant positive all possible aspects of the working
links between successful leadership styles environment. This obligation comes with
and high levels of patient satisfaction, as the position of a transformational leader.
well as a decrease in unfavourable What sets transformational leaders apart
consequences [13]. In addition, the as the visionaries and strategists that they
relevance of leadership style for the are is their willingness to communicate
quality of healthcare service in nursing and inspire the team in addition to
homes has been highlighted by a number organising the work. This is what
of studies in recent years [14]. There is a differentiates them from traditional
close connection between the practise of leaders [17].
transformational leadership and the In the practise of transformational
execution of good management that leadership, employees are encouraged to
fosters an environment of patient safety participate in the attainment of a
[15]. In addition, the research emphasises predetermined target for the success of
that empowered leadership is associated the organisation. This ensures that nurses
with patient outcomes because it are motivated by the goals of healthcare
encourages higher levels of nursing rather than their own private desires.
competence by leading to enhanced staff According to this point of view,
stability and lower rates of staff turnover improvements in the culture of the firm
[16]. Effective leadership has an indirect that strive to boost activities and offer
influence on the reduction of death rates greater security in decision making are
by motivating, maintaining, and providing what promote the enthusiasm. More
support for experienced employees. Even specifically, the goal of these adjustments
though there is a large number of is to guarantee that almost every nurse on
research that have been published that the team, regardless of age, feels
points to the significance of leadership, motivated [18]. One of the challenges of
only a small number of these studies have nursing leaders is dealing with young and
sought to associate a particular leadership new nurses (the young age of the
style with the outcomes of patients and professional), which, when combined with
the quality indicators of healthcare. their lack of experience, indicates a
A transformational leader is a leader who preconceived notion about their level of
achieves the institution's objectives and competence might be inadequate. But
goals by promoting a set of with motivation and intellectual
transformative acts over his or her stimulation by the transformational
subordinates, promoting awareness of the leaders, the younger nurses gain
value of activities performed and well- confidence and perform better. Although
done job. These measures are meant to leadership is an essential component of
increase awareness of the significance of the nurse's professional practise, it is not
the job done and the quality of the effort always a simple assignment, and a lack of
put forth. There are four key elements of stance on the part of the professional
a transformational leadership style. might put their credibility in jeopardy
According to [6], "transformational [18].
leadership is characterised by four Nurse technicians' reticence may be
dimensions, including idealised influence, explained by their desire to seem
inspirational motivation, intellectual knowledgeable and prepared, or by their
stimulation, and individual difficulties in embracing ideas and
consideration." The use of inspection, or a combination of the two.
transformational leadership in a Transformational leadership is even more
healthcare context promotes positive important in a setting like this in order to
connections with the team and ultimately encourage changes that are favourable to
makes it easier to achieve goals that are the respect and acknowledgement that are

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required for effective nursing practise. model for the team and a promoter of
Transformative leadership requires moral excellent care for the provision of quality
and ethical character; it requires care [24]. When a leader is actively
sympathetic and inspiring leadership; and involved and successfully integrated into
it requires a clear focus on the company's the activities of the team, it fosters a
objectives. Transformative leadership is sense of collaboration and enhances
majorly focused on the attainment of interpersonal connections. This, in turn,
the team or institution's goals and leads to a reduction in disputes, an
objectives [19]. increase in trust, and the creation of a
Challenges and difficult task situations healthy atmosphere [25]. The leader's
are often better handled by example of building a relationship based
transformational leaders. Instead of on mutual trust and respect may be
letting these impossibilities or factors utilised to reach out to the team during
stymie the group's progress, the these quieter periods of the day. These
transformational nursing leader conditions need a leader who is
capitalised on them [20]. It is easier to charismatic, able to persuade others, and
excite and inspire a team when the leader excited about the team. The
supports communication and has an transformational leadership style is
understanding of their stance [20, 21]. At characterised by charisma, which
the same time, regardless of the nature of encourages followers to respect and
the employment tie, the leader is able to admire the leader while also boosting
address any issues or reservations that their own self-confidence [23].
the team may have about the new Proponents of transformational
leadership. The intellectual stimulation leadership advocate that a
and the motivation components of transformational leader allow his or her
transformational leadership can be seen subordinates to contribute to the
in the leader's ability to engage the team organization's progress. In order for
in reciprocal communication and nurses to be effective leaders, they need
connection with one another, both of to be able to use dialogue to explain and
which contribute to the expansion and receive ideas in a way that enables them
development of the potential of the to position themselves, advocate for the
nursing team. It was observed that the problem, listen to, evaluate, and
exercise of leadership led by example implement creative and resolute ideas,
characterised the quickest and simplest and assist their employees in overcoming
way to teach [8], highlighting challenges [24; 23; 26; 21]. These are the
acknowledgment, acceptance, and hallmarks of transformational leadership,
fulfilment of assigned activities [12], and they come into play when a leader
which produced a horizontal connection. encourages the members of his or her
This was characterised as the best way to team to take on difficult problems and
teach because it was the most actively engages in the decision-making
straightforward method [22]. This was process [23]. When comparing the
seen to be the most effective method of effectiveness of transformational
teaching. In addition, the fact that nurses leadership styles such as democratic
are able to do the same tasks as other leadership, authoritative leadership, and
employees is an excellent way to motivate coaching leadership, transformational is
and inspire the other workers to adopt the the best leadership that suits nursing care
same posture. According to Bass and Bass practices. [8] observed that
[23], who wrote the book. transformational leadership is the most
According to the findings of certain widely adopted leadership style in
experts, the participative performance of healthcare settings.
nurses, which is achieved through According to [9], due to the fact that
motivation and intellectual stimulation, nursing care is humanistic and most of
brings them closer to the team during the the time requires innovative approaches,
execution of services, thus making them a a transformational leadership style

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becomes imperative. Cummings [27] transformational leadership style are
observed likewise that among the many developing connections with employees
different styles of leadership that have and inspiring them to achieve their full
been identified, such as transformational potential. Usually, transformational
leadership, transactional leadership, leaders have the capacity to instil
autocratic leadership, laissez-faire confidence, staff respect, and
leadership, task-oriented leadership, commitment via a shared goal. This
democratic leadership, coaching results in greater production,
leadership, and relationship-oriented strengthened employee morale, and
leadership, the transformational happier work environments for everyone
leadership style has remained the best in involved [1].
nursing practices. The hallmarks of the
Theoretical Dimension of Transformational Leadership
The theoretical foundations of stated vision. As a consequence of this,
transformational leadership lie in the four the staff members get motivated to chart
(4) elements of transformational their very own leadership course, which
leadership theory. These element include in turn fosters personal fulfilment and
Idealised Influence: The idealised contentment.
influence component of transformational Intellectual Stimulation: Intellectual
leadership, which can be attributed to simulation as a trait of transformational
their behaviour, elevates the credibility of leadership refers to the degree to which
leaders and acts as a role model for assumptions are challenged, risks are
employees in the areas of professional taken, and ideas are solicited. Leaders
ethics, pride, respect, and trust [23; 7; 6]. who exhibit this trait encourage the
Emulation and connection with the people they lead to debate the standards,
personality, moral and ethical principles, to ponder, and to think outside of the box
collaboration and devotion to common for increase in quality, which in turn
aims, and the formation of high levels of fosters creativity, independent thought,
trust are all outcomes that may be and innovation [23]. Leaders who
attributed to its presence [23]. exemplify intellectual stimulation
Nevertheless, hierarchical organisational incentivize creativity, cultivate people
constraints that limit followers' potential who are capable of critically thinking to
to create might render this attribute figure out measures of carrying out tasks.
ineffective as employees attempt to Unusual circumstances are described as
match the expectations of their leader the moments or opportunity to gain
[28]. knowledge, so intellectually stimulated
Inspirational Motivation: Leaders that leaders take advantage of this
are able to motivate their followers via opportunity [6, 23].
inspiring means provide a distinct sense Individualized consideration: According
of purpose and serve as a model for their to [23], natural, transformational leader is
followers to emulate as they work to one who recognises employees not only
realise the leaders' goal with charm, as workers but also as unique people with
excitement, and optimism [7; 6; 29]. In unique requirements, both in their
addition, by using efficient personal and professional lives. This kind
communication, leaders are able to of leadership makes it possible to
establish rigorous expectations for their generate chances for learning and exhibits
followers and motivate them to perform tolerance for the unique qualities of each
to the best of their abilities in order to person [7; 6; 29]. In the context of the
meet those expectations [6; 23]. Both [7 & hospital, transformational leadership
6] came to the conclusion that what places a focus on certain qualities that are
motivates workers to take action is a needed for people who perform this job.
crystal clear sense of purpose and These talents include charisma, effective
meaning, as well as visionary leadership, communication, and leading by setting an
as well as an attractive and inspirational example [12]. It is advantageous for care

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management to have a leader who has that make it difficult to recognise the
such qualities since their performance work of nurses in leadership roles. This
inspires and encourages the nursing makes transformational leadership an
team. It ultimately contributes to an appropriate way to lead. The need for
improvement in the standard of service health organisations to have well
provided. The fact that leadership is cultured, focused and inspired nurse with
something that encourages individual leadership abilities and that provides
autonomy in those who are involved in nurses with the skills necessary to handle
the nursing work process is one of the conflict and find solutions to problems,
reasons why nurses acknowledge the regardless of where they fall in the
importance of leadership. This is organisational hierarchy. Moreso, it would
especially true with regard to the be much simpler to address concerns
resolution of disputes, the formulation of such as the lack of experience possessed
choices, and the communication with the by some of the newly hired nurses and
team [9]. the misconceptions possessed by some of
In accordance with the aforementioned, the staff members regarding the ages of
transformational leadership has been these nurses if there was a culture within
shown to be an acceptable method to lead the organisation that emphasised the
since it enables tackling certain obstacles development of leadership skills [10].
Challenges of Transformational Leadership
Despite these advantages, the theoretical leader employs covert tactics to exert
model of transformational leadership is influence on the team. In this regard,
subject to several challenges. Studies leadership lacks both foresight and the
conducted in other countries highlight the ability to strike a balance between
shortcomings of the transformational competing interests; hence, for leadership
leadership approach and call into to be genuine and productive, it must
question the morality of using it. It is prioritize upholding the values of
stated that this style of leadership has a honesty, loyalty, fairness, and respect for
significant capacity to drive followers via human rights [30; 31]. According to [30],
the use of powerful emotions, regardless the objective in the field of health should
of the ramifications that these feelings be to lead transformational change rather
may bring about. This way of thinking is than to change in order to become a
also deemed to be incompatible with leader who has transformative traits.
moral standards when it occurs when the
Implication for Nursing Practices
Leadership is the ability to guide and transformational leader is change-
coordinate the efforts of a team or group oriented and has an eagle eye on the
of individuals in pursuit of a shared organisational goals.
purpose. It is a relationship that exists Thus, building strong nurse leadership
among leaders, followers, and behaviours abilities are very necessary for those who
of directing the affairs of others in work in the nursing profession and want
pursuant of a common goal. The to develop their careers. To develop one's
conceptualization of leadership remains leadership potential, it is frequently
the same across disciplines. Nevertheless, necessary to hone in on a core set of
it is common among all leaders to plan, abilities that are particularly applicable to
organize, direct, staff, coordinate, budget, nursing administration. These abilities
and report. The issue of leadership is include the ability to make decisions,
today a serious issue in healthcare, provide direction, resolve conflicts,
especially for nursing care. Leadership in effectively communicate, and adjust to
healthcare is imperative. In this highly changing circumstances. Nurse leaders
ethical job, nurses and other workers are continually required to make choices,
must be coordinated and directed in the both big and little, ranging from the
right way in order to foster effective and formulation of rules for the nursing staff
efficient healthcare services. A to the upkeep of patient records. Nurse

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leaders are looked up to by resident unambiguous, and effective decision-
nurses and other junior nurses for making will result in a health sector that
decision-making and guidance on a day- is more structured and pushed in the
to-day basis. Skills in efficient, direction it should go.
CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS
Nurse leaders are required to use highest possible level of success in all
interpersonal and motivational leadership aspects of their work, nurse managers
tactics in order to effectively lead the need to have excellent communication
individual and group of trainee nurses skills. When it comes to the health care
who report to them. Within the context of industry, effective communication may
the health care system, nurse leaders are help to foster a culture of cooperation
responsible for fostering an atmosphere among workers at all levels and in all
of ongoing education and professional professions. Great communication is not
growth via the mentoring of their fellow just efficient and accurate but also entails
nurses. They also serve as role models for active listening and providing feedback,
younger nurses, some of whom may which is particularly important when
eventually advance to leadership working with nurses who are still in
positions within the nursing profession. training. A crucial quality of a good nurse
Conflict is inherent in every setting, leader is the ability to respond to
including the medical care industry, continuing changes in the
which includes all organisations. The healthcare sector by continuously
ability to settle conflicts is an essential developing new tactics and modifying
component of effective nursing current ones. The lives of nurse leaders
leadership because it enables nurse are riddled with uncertainty on a day-to-
managers to address problems, which in day basis, and so is the constantly
turn improves collaboration, productivity, shifting professional environment in
and patient satisfaction. In the process of which they work. Both of these things go
generating treatment plans and diagnoses hand in hand. Additionally, leaders have
for patients, conflict resolution is the obligation to effectively communicate
particularly vital since different members these changes to the people who report
of the healthcare team may have different directly to them.
viewpoints. In order to achieve the
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