Leadership is a crucial component in nursing. The efficacy of democratic leadership in nursing is contingent upon the leadership style employed. Democratic leadership promotes teamwork, employee engagement in decision-making, and open communication. It enables employees to be and perform their best by fostering personal and professional growth. If you need help with leadership in nursing paper or essay, visit nursing writing services for help.
In numerous respects, authoritarian leadership differs from democratic leadership. Authoritarian leaders issue commands and utilize their authority to enforce regulations and make decisions without consulting subordinates. Both methods have advantages and downsides depending on the application scenario. Nonetheless, democratic leadership is highly effective in all nursing specialties.
Democratic Leadership style in nursing
Democratic leadership is one of the most effective organizational leadership approaches. A democratic leader enables increased employee participation, particularly in the decision-making process. In this style of leadership, the final decision or call is made by the leader. However, they take the thoughts and opinions of their subordinates into account. The leader promotes open communication, knowledge exchange, and the formation of relationships based on trust and candor (Feldman, 2011).
For instance, a nurse leader should consult with other nurses to determine successful strategies for tackling employee burnout and high turnover. The democratic leader must consider the thoughts and opinions of other nurses before making such a crucial decision. A democratic leader prioritizes improving systems and processes and disregards the errors of individuals (Roussel, 2011).
This sort of leadership motivates employees to strive for excellence and facilitates the establishment of effective and productive teams. Because they feel valued and a part of the team, workers are engaged in their work. Additionally, it boosts job satisfaction and promotes personal and professional growth (Weiss & Tappen, 2014).
The leader’s predisposition to provide performance-based feedback contributes to employee growth. Employees’ morale and motivation are boosted when entrusted with crucial duties and decision-making autonomy (Roussel, 2011). Collaboration is a key element of democratic leadership. Collaboration between leaders and their staff fosters harmony and good relationships, promotes innovation, and fosters creativity. Both leaders and staff are tasked with significant responsibilities.
Therefore, errors are considered the result of flawed processes rather than a particular individual’s fault. The allocation of duties and employees’ engagement in decision-making create a work atmosphere that is empowering and conducive to increased productivity and performance (Weiss & Tappen, 2014).
Democratic leaders are egalitarian, consensus builders, involved, role models, fair-minded, futuristic, open-minded, team-oriented, adaptable, and versatile. For instance, a hospital unit manager should encourage floor nurses to share their ideas and comments regarding the efficient operation of hospital units.
Democratic versus Authoritarian Leadership Styles
Authoritarian leaders rely entirely on their knowledge and understanding, unlike democratic leaders who urge employees to participate in decision-making processes (Weiss & Tappen, 2014). They make all decisions without consulting their subordinates. They use negative reinforcement to ensure staff adheres to the rules they establish. In this way, they exert control over personnel. Democratic leaders inspire open dialogue, confidence, and teamwork (Korniewicz, 2015).
Authoritarian leaders, on the other hand, impede open communication, trust, and teamwork. Trust develops due to openness, transparency, and allowing employees to participate in decision-making processes, particularly about subjects crucial to their job performance. Authoritarian leaders make decisions for their subordinates regardless of whether or not they are appropriate (Weiss & Tappen, 2014). Employees are encouraged to disseminate and share information under democratic leadership (Kelly, 2011).
To retain their authority, authoritarian leaders withhold vital information from their employees. Lastly, authoritarian leaders have zero tolerance for error. Employees are held accountable for and punished for errors (Taylor, 2010). In contrast, democratic leaders identify system flaws and refrain from blaming personnel for errors. You can also read more on transformational and democratic leadership in nursing.
Example of democratic leadership in nursing
One of the managers at my place of employment can serve as an illustration of a democratic leader. Her treatment of other nurses most closely resembles this style. For example, as stated by Marquis and Huston (2017), democratic leaders foster cooperation with and among employees to ensure everyone’s opinion is considered.
Consequently, these individuals engage others in decision-making and grant them greater autonomy and authority over their activities. The leader in question frequently communicates with all nurses in the department to hear about their challenges and concerns. In addition, she asks other professionals if they have any suggestions for improvement, and she endorses new plans submitted and approved by the majority.
Numerous facets of democratic leadership can be included in the personal styles of nurses. First and foremost, listening to the opinions of others is a virtue that can aid in establishing trustworthy relationships with other professionals and bringing forward novel and unique perspectives. Moreover, the nurse leader’s capacity to accept responsibility while remaining open to constructive criticism and feedback is commendable and should be incorporated into one’s style.
However, this individual may occasionally disregard her own opinion when pressured by others. As a result, her fulfillment and ease with change may deteriorate. I would like not to follow in her footsteps in this regard. While this leadership style emphasizes communication with others, it also necessitates that authority not be delegated.
Numerous nursing studies have examined the impact of various leadership styles on patient outcomes and care quality. According to Zydziunaite and Suominen (2014), many nursing managers neglect the communicative parts of their roles in favor of performance and maintenance activities. Their domineering demeanor may cause nurses to feel ignored and controlled. Conversely, democratic and engaged leaders establish excellent relationships with other employees, encouraging them to assume greater responsibility.
While it may increase stress levels for certain nurses (Benoliel & Somech, 2014), it can make others happier and more secure in their professional skills. This subsequently favors nurses’ interactions with patients (Tyczkowski et al., 2015). As democratic leadership incorporates some degree of authority for both the leader and followers, it is reasonable to infer that it increases health care quality.
Characteristics of Democratic Leadership in nursing
Diverse characteristics comprise democratic leadership. Here are some of the most prevalent:
1) Distribution of responsibility – A manager who exercises democratic management delegates to his staff the obligation of encouraging team participation in decision-making.
2) Empowerment of group members – To accomplish their responsibilities, leaders must provide them with the necessary authority and resources. Providing the training and information required to perform a specific function is a crucial element of empowerment.
3) Assist in group decision-making by the leader – A democratic leader needs to encourage democratic deliberation during group decision-making. Leaders are supposed to serve as facilitators and mediators between group members and foster a healthy and cordial environment.
4) High employee engagement – High employee engagement is a hallmark of effective democratic leadership. For this leadership style to be successful, decisions must be made with the feedback from the entire team.
The most effective democratic leaders actively encourage their team members to generate ideas and innovative solutions while listening to these suggestions. Team members feel protected when they can freely communicate their thoughts and ideas. A sense of psychological security is advantageous for employee morale, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Benefits of Democratic Leadership in nursing
Because group members are encouraged to express their ideas, democratic leadership can result in more innovative and effective problem-solving. When group members are more engaged and invested in a project, they are more likely to care about the outcome.
Research on leadership styles has demonstrated that democratic leadership increases group members’ productivity. This style of leadership has also been associated with increased group morale. Read more on the disadvantages of democratic leadership in nursing.
Conclusion
Generally, democratic leadership in nursing is regarded as one of the most balanced styles. The described nursing manager exemplifies this style; she is involved, communicative, and accountable. Her ability to include nurses’ feedback in her choices makes her connections with them trustworthy. While she occasionally disregards her views in favor of others, she accepts responsibility for her judgments and actions. Democratic leadership positively affects patient outcomes because it encourages nurses to engage in all organizational activities and contribute to its growth.
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