Assessing the Effectiveness of Leadership Styles among Nurses in Tertiary Hospitals of Peshawar

Abstract

Background: The healthcare sector increasingly recognizes the importance of leadership styles in shaping the work environment, employee satisfaction, and patient care outcomes. Leadership within nursing teams, particularly in tertiary hospitals, plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges of healthcare delivery and staff retention. The diversity in leadership styles—authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire—offers various approaches to managing nursing teams and influencing healthcare outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different leadership styles among nurses working in tertiary hospitals in Peshawar and to explore their impact on nursing practice and healthcare delivery. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 240 nurses from Khyber Teaching Hospital and Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire, comprising socio-demographic items and leadership style assessments, was utilized for data collection. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, focusing on frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to evaluate the distribution of leadership styles. Results: The majority of participants reported a high range of authoritarian (44.2%), democratic (44.2%), and laissez-faire (46.3%) leadership styles. The prevalence of very high range was significant for authoritarian (43.3%) and democratic (40%) styles, indicating a strong inclination towards these leadership approaches among nursing staff. The study also highlighted a positive association between democratic leadership styles and job satisfaction among nurses. Conclusion: The findings underscore the diversity of leadership styles among nurses in tertiary hospitals in Peshawar, with a notable preference for authoritarian and democratic approaches. This diversity suggests the need for flexible leadership training programs tailored to the dynamic requirements of healthcare settings. Enhancing leadership skills among nurses is crucial for improving healthcare delivery and achieving better patient care outcomes.