A study of leadership competencies of first-line nurse managers in Shanghai, China

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive research was to explore leadership competency of first-line nurse managers in Shanghai, China. A total of 20 experts participated in this study including 5 directors of nursing, 12 head nurses, 2 senior nurses and 1 nursing educator. The Delphi technique consisted of three steps. First, the experts described the leadership competency of first-line nurse managers in Shanghai. Second, analyzed data using content analysis to develop rating scales. All items in the second round questionnaire met the criteria of consensus. The acceptable criteria of consensus were median equal to or greater than 3.50 and interquartile range equal to or less than 1.50. Third, developed the third round questionnaire and sent to the previous experts to confirm the items. Data was analyzed using median and interquartile range. The results showed that leadership competency of first-line nurse managers in Shanghai, China consisted of 8 components and 60 items as follows. 1) Personal mastery, 11 items; 2) systems thinking, 9 items; 3) communication and relationship building, 11 items; 4) change management, 7 items; 5) human resource management includes 9 items; 6) financial management, 5 items; 7) information technology, 4 items; 8) knowledge of the healthcare environment, 4 items.