Transformational Leadership of Nurse Managers as Perceived by Registered Nurses, in Divisional Hospitals, The Republic of Fiji

Abstract
Introduction: The leadership style of nurse managers plays an important role in registered nurses’ retention and organizational productivity through quality nursing care which is costly to healthcare organizations. This study intends to examine registered nurses’ overall perception of transformational leadership and its related factors of nurse managers in divisional hospitals in the Republic of Fiji.
Method: This descriptive study included 348 nurses selected from 3 divisional hospitals in The Republic of Fiji. Random proportional stratified sampling was used. Research instruments consisted of a demographic data form, and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaires. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data.
Results: The response rate was 73% where the majority 223 (91%) were females and 21 (9%) were male respondents. Transformational
leadership was rated at a moderate level (x̄) = 49.68, SD = 18.31). The seven factors related to transformational leadership namely
(i) management by exception; (ii) inspiration motivation; (iii) idealized influence; (iv) individualized consideration; (v) intellectual stimulation; (vi) contingent reward; and (vii) laissez-fair were also rated at a moderate level.
Conclusion: This research contributes to the literature on nurse mangers leadership styles wherein transformational leadership
style employed by nurse managers was perceived by registered nurses at a moderate level in this study setting. Baseline information has been elicited for nursing policymakers’ consideration to promote transformational leadership and conduct further research.
Keywords: Transformational Leadership; Nurse Managers; Divisional Hospitals; Registered Nurses