Is the first-line nursing managers’ power congruent with that of the nursing group?

Abstract

Aim This research examined the relationship between nursing managers’ power and nursing group power in public health service organizations. Approach/Methods A cross-sectional survey of first-line nurse managers ( n = 264) from 11 Finnish hospitals was conducted. The power of nurse managers and nursing groups was examined through two reliable instruments: the Nursing Managers’ Power instrument and the Sieloff-King Assessment of Group Power within Organizations instrument©. Findings The power of nurse managers was perceived to be moderate on a 5-point Likert scale. Managers reported that they gained the most power from their role and position as a nursing manager, and lastly, from their resources. The power of nurse managers correlated no more than moderately with nursing group power. Implications for Nursing Management Organizations need to ensure that nursing managers have the power and opportunity to influence nursing goals and outcomes.