Factors facilitating or inhibiting the capacity for effective leadership among front-line nurse managers: A scoping review

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this scoping review is to map and synthesize research studies addressing the factors that impact leadership behaviours of front-line nurse managers.

Background: Leadership is a fundamental component of the role of front-line nurse managers. Ineffective leadership is associated with costly outcomes; thus, organizations seek effective strategies to facilitate consistent demonstration of leadership behaviours.

Evaluation: Using a scoping review methodology, findings from 26 empirical studies were mapped to identify barriers and facilitators of leadership among front-line nurse managers. Major categories included personal and environmental factors with subthemes of personal characteristics, competencies and social support.

Key issues: Available evidence captures the influence of personal characteristics, education, competency and formal social support on leadership capacity. The role of informal social support was not captured.

Conclusions: Multiple personal and environmental factors influence the capacity for leadership behaviours among front-line nurse managers. Strategies such as leadership development programmes, mentorship and peer support programmes, and work environments that support relational and structural support may increase leadership capacity for front-line nurse managers.

Implications for nursing management: Senior nurse leaders can use the results of this review to guide implementation of evidence-based strategies to recruit and retain front-line nurse managers.

Keywords: barriers; facilitators; front-line nurse managers; leadership; scoping review.