The Effect of Leadership Styles on Nursing Performance in the Northern West Bank Public Hospitals رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This research investigates how different leadership styles affect the performance of nurses in public hospitals in the North West Bank. The research aims to understand how leadership behavior influences nursing efficiency, job satisfaction, and overall healthcare quality. The health system is a complex one that requires effective management to guarantee quality patient care. Knowing the relationship between leadership styles and nurse performance can be important for improving health outcomes in Palestinian hospitals. The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach and a quantitative method through a structured questionnaire to achieve this purpose. The research population consists of nurses working in governmental hospitals in the northern West Bank. A sample of 257 nurses responded and completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed to gauge the impact of three leadership styles on nursing performance: democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured through expert reviews and statistical tests. The results show that different leadership styles are associated with various impacts on nurse performance: Democratic Leadership Style significantly positively affects nursing performance. Motives were raised by the nurses, who appreciated the inclusivity and participation in decision-making processes that motivated them and added to their job satisfaction. Autocratic Leadership Style: This style provided clear direction and structure but did not significantly improve overall nursing performance. Drawbacks included a lack of flexibility in thinking and closed channels of communication. VI Laissez-faire Leadership Style: This style had the most negligible impact on performance. Although it allowed autonomy, it lacked supervision and guidance, reducing efficiency and accountability. The study also investigated age, gender, education level, and years of experience, among other demographic variables. Based on these findings, it was established that years of experience and job satisfaction were the primary factors affecting performance whereby newer nurses indicated high motivation and performance levels. Conclusions According to the research, democratic leadership is the most effective way to improve nursing performance in Northern West Bank public hospitals. This leadership style promotes a supportive and participative working environment, leading to high job satisfaction among nurses and better patient care. The study advises on the need for a combination of autocratic and democratic elements to optimize nurse’s performance. Some training programs for nursing leaders should focus on how they can use democratic leadership skills and improve general health communication. Recommendations Democratic Leadership Adoption: Promote democratic leadership practices that incorporate nurses in decision-making, enhancing job satisfaction and performance. Leadership Training: Introduce training seminars for hospital managers to develop their faculties in democratic leadership styles and good communication strategies. Job Satisfaction Improvement: Enhance working conditions while providing opportunities for continuous professional development to maintain consistently high levels of nurse performance. VII Balanced Leadership Approach: Incorporate aspects from both autocratic and democratic forms of directing behavior that offer clear instructions but still allow flexibility and involve everyone equally.