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Person‐centred leadership: A relational approach to leadership derived through action research
Author(s) -
Cardiff Shaun,
McCormack Brendan,
McCance Tanya
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.14492
Subject(s) - leadership development , thematic analysis , shared leadership , psychology , empowerment , leadership studies , action research , leadership style , action (physics) , neuroleadership , qualitative research , sociology , pedagogy , public relations , social psychology , political science , social science , law , physics , quantum mechanics
Aims and objectives How does person‐centred leadership manifest in clinical nursing. Background Person‐centred practice fosters healthful relationships and is gaining increasing attention in nursing and health care, but nothing is known about the influence of a person‐centred approach to leadership practice. Most leadership models used in nursing were originally developed outside of nursing. Design A 3‐year participatory action research study where participant leaders planned, researched and learned from their practice development. Methods After an orientation phase, four action spirals focused on: critical and creative reflective inquiries into leadership practice change; leading the implementation and evaluation of a new nursing system; facilitating storytelling sessions with staff; and annually reflecting on personal leadership change. Multiple data gathering methods offered insight into leadership development from several perspectives. Results Critical and creative thematic data analysis revealed a set of attributes, relational processes and contextual factors that influenced the being and becoming of a person‐centred leader. Comparing the findings with nursing leadership literature supports a conceptual framework for person‐centred leadership. Conclusions Person‐centred leadership is a complex, dynamic, relational and contextualised practice that aims to enable associates and leaders achieve self‐actualisation, empowerment and well‐being. Relevance to clinical practice This study and its conceptual framework is of relevance to practitioners, educationalists and researchers interested in developing a relational approach to nurse leadership and person‐centred cultures.