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To explore and understand the leadership experiences of modern matrons, within an acute NHS Trust
Author(s) -
LAWRENCE NIGEL,
RICHARDSON JANET
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01432.x
Subject(s) - transformational leadership , leadership style , shared leadership , transactional leadership , neuroleadership , thematic analysis , servant leadership , nursing management , situational leadership theory , psychology , leadership , nursing , qualitative research , flexibility (engineering) , leadership studies , public relations , medicine , political science , sociology , management , social science , economics
Aim The aim of this study was to explore and understand the leadership experiences of modern matrons. Background Modern matrons were re‐introduced to the National Health Service in 2002, and effective leadership has been identified as being essential for the role to be successful. However, there is minimal evidence of how modern matrons experience effective leadership. Methods The study used a descriptive generic qualitative methodology; one‐to‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine matrons. This was subjected to an inductive thematic analysis. Results Three themes were found to influence modern matron’s leadership experiences: leadership behaviours, negative influences and leadership investment. They did not follow one leadership style but adapted this to their situation. Various factors appeared to restrict their leadership effectiveness. Conclusions The findings suggest that exposure to a range of leadership styles should be included in preparation and CPD for the modern matron role and a more consistent job description and job purpose should be developed. Implications for nursing management Leadership styles such as transformational leadership alone do not meet the complex demands of nursing leaders, and therefore there is a requirement for greater flexibility in leadership development for all health care professionals.