Question

1. How does management in nursing practice differ from management in general?
2. What tasks are common to both leadership and management.
3. What are the major leadership styles? Which style is optimal to use in which situation?

Answer 1

Difference between general management and nursing management

In general management, we achieve a goal through coordination and administration of tasks. For successful organizations, good management is needed. Here, the different steps normally followed are setting objectives, organizing, motivating the team, devising systems of measurement, and developing people.

There is not much difference between nursing management and general management. In nursing management, in addition to the above-mentioned steps, clinical competencies are also needed.

Tasks which are common to both leadership and management are as follows:

1.) Pointing the group in a new direction or asserting a vision.

2.) Reminding the group members of the norms and expectations they share.

3.) Promoting positive attitudes.

4.) Keeping the system functioning and the group moving toward realizing the vision.

5.) Managing the conflict that inevitably accompanies change and growth.

6.) Teaching followers and helping them understand why they are being asked to do certain things.

7.) Acting in ways that convey the values of the group and its goals.

8.) Speaking on behalf of the group.

9.) Bringing members of the group to new levels.

Major leadership styles are:

1.) Transformational:- Here, the leader motivates the employee to take ownership of their roles and perform beyond expectations. This style of leadership encourages input and communication from the team when making decisions. This style is used when the workplace needs big improvement and change.

2.) Hands-off:- Here, the leaders rarely provide direction or feedback to their team. This style is used in experienced staff or team.

3.) Autocratic:- Here, leaders take decisions without taking any input from their teams. It is optimal to use in emergency situations.

4.)Servant:- Here, the leaders influence and motivate their team by building relationships and developing the skill of individual team members. This is used when team has diverse members with different tasks and responsibilities.

5.)Democratic:- Here, the leaders encourage input and communication from the team while making decisions. This style is used to improve the team and get accountability and trust from the team.