The Impact of Leadership in the Autonomy and Engagement of Nurses A Cross-sectional Multicenter Study Among Nurses Outside the United States - UTU Research Portal

A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

The Impact of Leadership in the Autonomy and Engagement of Nurses A Cross-sectional Multicenter Study Among Nurses Outside the United States

Authors: Junttila Kristiina, Heikkilä Anniina, Heikkilä Asta, Koivunen Marita, Lehtikunnas Tuija, Mattila Elina, Meriläinen Merja, Peltokoski Jaana, Sneck Sami, Tervo-Heikkinen Tarja

Publisher: LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS

Publication year: 2023

Journal: JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration

Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF NURSING ADMINISTRATION

Journal acronym: J NURS ADMIN

Volume: 53

Issue: 1

First page : 19

Last page: 26

Number of pages: 8

ISSN: 0002-0443

eISSN: 0002-0443

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000001237(external)

Web address : https://journals.lww.com/jonajournal/Fulltext/2023/01000/The_Impact_of_Leadership_in_the_Autonomy_and.5.aspx(external)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To add to the body of evidence regarding nurse engagement and related factors from a non-US sample of nurses.BACKGROUNDLeadership has a positive impact on nurses' autonomy and engagement experiences. It is necessary to explore the factors that explain the relationships between leadership, autonomy, and engagement level.

METHODS
Nurses (n = 4393) from 9 hospitals participated in a survey in March 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify engagement and autonomy predictors.RESULTSOf the respondents, 9% were engaged, 28% content, 29% ambivalent, and 34% disengaged. Respondents' separate background variables were not significant predictors in multivariate models, whereas the leadership- and autonomy-related variables were.

CONCLUSIONS
A manager's responsiveness, an organization's readiness to follow nurse suggestions for performance improvement, and receiving recognition and regular feedback promote engagement. Furthermore, engagement is enhanced when nurses have an active role in decision-making and their contributions are respected. Visible nurse managers and leaders who are effective advocates for nurses strengthen nurses' autonomy.