Nursing Leadership Theories Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the Great Man Theory or trait theory suggest?

Anyone can become a leader with enough practice.

Some people are born to lead and others are born to follow. (correct)

Leadership is solely based on education.

Leaders are made, not born.

What key focus does Behavioral Theory emphasize?

The leader's style of leadership.

Which of the following best describes authoritarian leadership?

Leaders encourage employee input.

Leaders promote team autonomy.

Leaders dictate roles and tasks without input. (correct)

Leaders support situational flexibility.

What is a characteristic of an authoritarian leader?

Strong control over the work group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of a democratic leader?

Encourages group participation and consensus-building. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes laissez-faire leadership?

Permissive with little or no control. Signup and view all the answers

What does situational and contingency leadership suggest?

Leadership style should vary according to the situation or the individuals involved. Signup and view all the answers

What do interactional leadership theories focus on?

Interaction dynamics between leader, worker, and situation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of transactional leaders?

Tasks and getting the work done. Signup and view all the answers

What defines transformational leaders?

Engagement and creating connections to motivate followers. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with transformational leaders?

Empowers others. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leadership Theories Overview

Great Man Theory suggests leaders are born, not made, possessing inherent traits.
Behavioral Theory shifts focus from leader traits to leadership styles and actions.

Leadership Styles

Authoritarian Leadership
- Leader dictates tasks and methods, limiting employee input.
- Results in predictable actions, high productivity but low creativity and autonomy.
Democratic Leadership
- Encourages group participation and consensus before decision-making.
- Promotes an inclusive approach with shared decision-making.
Laissez-faire Leadership
- Characterized by minimal control and responsibility from the leader.
- Provides little direction but allows group members the freedom to lead themselves.

Characteristics of Leadership Styles

Authoritarian Leader Characteristics
- Maintains strong control with a focus on coercion.
- Communication is predominantly one-way; decisions are made unilaterally.
- Criticism is punitive and creates a distance between leader and followers.
Democratic Leader Characteristics
- Less control with a focus on motivation through economic and ego rewards.
- Encourages two-way communication and collaborative decision-making.
- Criticism is constructive and aimed at group improvement.
Laissez-faire Leader Characteristics
- Offers permissive leadership with minimal control.
- Motivates by support when requested and emphasizes group dynamics.
- Decision-making is decentralized, with no criticism issued.

Advanced Leadership Theories

Situational and Contingency Leadership Theories
- Leadership style should adapt to varying situations and individual needs.
- No single style is optimal for every scenario.
Interactional Leadership Theories
- Focus on the dynamics among leaders, followers, and the surrounding environment.
- Emphasizes the complexity of human behavior and varying motivational factors.

Key Assumptions of Interactional Leadership

Individuals possess complex and shifting motives.
Performance is influenced by task nature, ability, and motivation.
Leadership strategies are not universally effective across different contexts.

Elements of Leadership Exchange

Leader's personality and capabilities.
Followers' personalities and perceptions.
Contextual factors including group norms and structure.

Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership

Transactional Leadership
- Centers on the exchange and operational management.
- Prioritizes task completion and use of trade-offs for goal achievement.
Transformational Leadership
- Aims to engage and inspire followers, focusing on vision and empowerment.
- Encourages shared values and helps followers realize their potential.

Characteristics Comparison

Transactional Leaders
- Focused on tasks and productivity.
- Uses contingency rewards and goals without emphasizing shared values.
Transformational Leaders
- Identifies and instills common values.
- Inspires and empowers others with a long-term vision, considering the broader impact.

Fun Fact

While transformational attributes enhance leadership effectiveness, they should complement traditional transactional qualities for optimal results.

Description

Explore key nursing leadership theories including the Great Man Theory, Behavioral Theory, and authoritarian leadership styles. These flashcards help understand different perspectives on leadership in nursing. Perfect for nursing students and professionals looking to enhance their leadership knowledge.