ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLES AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG ICU NURSES OF GENERAL HOSPITAL ALHORE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1429Keywords:
Leadership styles, Job satisfaction, ICU nurses, Nursing leadership, Directive leadership, Supportive leadership, Participative leadership, Achievement-oriented leadership.Abstract
Background: Leadership style plays a vital role in influencing nurses' job satisfaction and overall performance, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), where effective leadership is essential for delivering quality patient care. Different leadership approaches may positively or negatively affect nurses' motivation, commitment, and work outcomes.
Objective: To determine the relationship between leadership styles and job satisfaction among ICU staff nurses working in General Hospital Lahore.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 ICU nurses selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and an adapted Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), which assessed directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented leadership styles, along with job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to summarize the data. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between leadership styles and job satisfaction, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed that directive leadership had a strong positive correlation with job satisfaction (r = 0.718, p < 0.001). Participative leadership (r = 0.476, p < 0.001), achievement-oriented leadership (r = 0.459, p < 0.001), and supportive leadership (r = 0.366, p = 0.002) also demonstrated significant positive relationships with job satisfaction. Most participants were young nurses with limited clinical and ICU experience, and the majority had not received formal leadership and management training.
Conclusion: The study concluded that effective leadership styles significantly improve job satisfaction among ICU nurses. Strengthening leadership competencies through structured leadership development and management training programs may enhance nurses' satisfaction, professional performance, staff retention, and the quality of patient care in intensive care settings.
