Nurse Faculty Perceptions of External Factors Affecting Psychological Capital and Leadership Development

Abstract

BACKGROUND Psychological capital (PsyCap) is a higher order construct that includes four psychological capacities: hope, efficacy, resiliency, and optimism (known as HERO). PsyCap can be instrumental in navigating workplace challenges; it can be impeded by factors within the environment that may also impact intention to seek leadership development. METHOD A descriptive, qualitative study guided by Husserl’s descriptive phenomenology sought to explore faculty perceptions of the external factors of workload, organizational support, organizational resources, and incentive on PsyCap and intent to seek leadership development. RESULTS Analysis uncovered three themes: reset button, driving factors for seeking leadership development, and faculty as leaders. CONCLUSION External factors can either hinder or promote PsyCap and intent to seek leadership development. Constructs within PsyCap are critical for nursing faculty to achieve a “reset.” Organizations should offer resources or support to further foster PsyCap.