Traits of transformational leaders in nursing: emotional intelligence counts?

Abstract

Background/Aims In the complex healthcare industry, transformational leadership and emotional intelligence in managers can achieve better outcomes. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the interaction between these two features. This study explored the traits of transformational leadership among the nurse managers in Jordan, focusing on the trait of emotional intelligence in critically-selected demographics. Methods A descriptive correlational research design was conducted. A total of 57 nurse managers from an acute referral hospital in Jordan completed the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and the 30-item Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire to measure transformational leadership and emotional intelligence respectively. Demographic data were also collected on participants' age, gender, years of clinical experience and years of managerial experience. Results There was a strong direct relationship between transformational leadership style and emotional intelligence. Male nurses with more than 15 years of clinical experience showed more transformational leadership practices and the highest levels of emotional intelligence among this cohort. Conclusions Emotional intelligence is a vital component of effective transformational leadership, which promotes a healthy work environment and better healthcare outcomes.