The Relationship Between Leadership Styles of Nurse Managers and Nurse Turnover in Private Hospital Settings in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Nursing turnover is a significant and ongoing challenge in healthcare systems worldwide as it impacts patient care. Nursing turnover is often linked to the leadership styles of nurse managers. In Saudi Arabia, where the healthcare sector is undergoing rapid transformation under Vision 2030, effective leadership is increasingly crucial for high quality care. Despite the extensive global research on the influence of different leadership styles on nurse turnover, there is a noticeable gap in understanding this relationship within the context of private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The review of literature published between 2014 and 2024 examines 19 studies to understand the relationship between nursing turnover and leadership styles. Four key themes were identified and form the basis of literature review chapter. Aim: The proposed study aims to examine the relationship between nurse managers' leadership styles and nursing turnover within the private Saudi hospitals context. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design will be implemented at the Saudi German Hospital, Dr. Suliman Fakeeh Hospital, and International Medical Centre (IMC) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Using stratified random sampling, 50 nurse managers and 250 nurses will be selected. Data will be collected via surveys distributed through WhatsApp and email, the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X), with the addition of a Sociodemographic section and the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS). Both descriptive and inferential statistics will be employed for data analysis. Implications: The findings will inform the development of targeted leadership training programmes to enhance nurse retention and job satisfaction. The study will also provide evidence-based recommendations for policy development and influence nursing curricula. Additionally, it will lay the groundwork for future research on leadership styles and nursing turnover.