Objective: This study describes the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and transformational leadership (TL) in nurse managers (NMs).
Background: Effective NM leadership is important as they have direct influence over RN performance and patient outcomes. Research has demonstrated that a TL style generates greater commitment from followers than other leadership styles. EI is 1 potential characteristic of TL.
Methods: A descriptive exploratory research study was conducted to correlate EI and TL practices of NMs.
Results: EI was significantly positively correlated with TL and outcome measures of extra-effort, effectiveness, and satisfaction and significantly negatively correlated with laissez-faire leadership. A positive relationship was found between TL and NMs with advanced education and administrative certification.
Conclusion: Nursing administrators should consider EI characteristics when hiring NMs and lead efforts to advance education to align with organization needs for business and strategic essentials necessary for NM effectiveness.