THE ASPECTS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP THAT AFFECT JOB SATISFACTION LEVELS AMONG NURSES IN HOSPITALS

Abstract

Background: Based on various investigations, low job satisfaction among nurses has been found to be one of the key factors that affect the delivery of quality and safe care. Partly contributory to the problem in many contexts is the lack of effective leadership in the engagement of the nurses by nurse leaders and other leaders in various health care facilities. Limited information is available on the application of transformational leadership to improve the levels of satisfaction among the nurses. Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between transformational leadership and nurses’ job satisfactionMethodology: The study used the systemic review approach to analyse previous studies focusing on the relationship between transformational leadership and nurse job satisfaction. The study involved a search for studies in the EBSCOhost, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, as well as Wiley Online databases. Multiple studies were retrieved. The CASP tool was used to assess the quality of the studies and a customized inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. Only ten studies met the criteria and they were analysed through thematic analysis Results: From the study, it was established that transformational leadership styles enhance the level of satisfaction among nurses. The approach is associated with the empowerment of nurses and increased levels of commitment. Further, the study established that the inspirational motivation aspect of transformational leadership style is associated with improved satisfaction levels in nurses.Discussion: Leaders who apply transformational leadership empowers nurses through the creation of a favourable environment, offering support, inspiring, establishing high expectations and ensuring that nurses are actively involved in the making of key decisions. Further, the autonomy of the nurses is enhanced for optimal performance. Inspirational motivation creates expectations that are associated with increased engagement and increased levels of job satisfaction among nurses. Conclusion: Transformational leadership is vital for enhanced job satisfaction among nurses. The approach can be used to improve the quality and safety of care delivered across health care facilities. Besides nursing practice, transformational leadership should also be applied by the management of health care facilities as well as be integrated into the educational curriculum for nurse training institutions.