The influence of nursing leadership on nurse performance: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Aim: The aim was to explore leadership factors that influence nurse performance and particularly, the role that nursing leadership behaviors play in nurses' perceptions of performance motivation.

Background: Nurse performance is vital to quality patient care outcomes and nursing leadership behaviors have been linked to nurse performance.

Evaluations: A review of research articles that examined the factors that nurses perceived as influencing their motivation and performance was conducted. Eight studies were included in the final analysis.

Key issues: Nurses' perceptions of factors that affect their motivation and ability to perform were grouped into five categories using content analysis: autonomy, work relationships, resource accessibility, nurse factors, and leadership practices. Nursing leadership behaviors were found to influence both nurses' motivations directly and indirectly via other factors.

Conclusion: The review suggests that nurse performance may be improved by addressing nurse autonomy, relationships among nurses, their colleagues and leaders, and resource accessibility.

Implications for nursing management: Nursing managers and leaders may enhance their nurses' performance by understanding and addressing the factors that affect their ability and motivation to perform.