A qualitative descriptive study of effective leadership and leadership development strategies used by nurse leaders in European island countries

Abstract

Abstract Aim Nurse leaders influence workplace culture; however, little is known about ethnic cultural influences on nurse leader development. This research aims to identify personal strategies promoting effective leadership by nurse leaders from European small island countries. Design Descriptive qualitative study. Methods In 2017, nineteen semi‐structured interviews with nurse leaders from England, Greece, Republic of Ireland and Malta explored leadership journeys, strategies employed to support their growth and development, and how cultural identity played a role. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four main themes and 12 subthemes captured the strategies and approaches of the nurse leaders: (1) Influences, (2) Communication, (3) Process and (4) Relationships. These findings reflect and validate the five transformational leadership practices of the Exemplary Leadership Model. While cultural island identity was discussed, there was a shared cultural identity within the role of “nurse leader” that spanned all islands. Patient or Public Contributions Nineteen nurse leaders contributed to this study.

Keywords

• leadership
• nurse roles
• professional development