Leadership self-efficacy and nurses' aspiration to leadership: An evolutionary concept analysis

Abstract

Background: The complex nature of leadership in nursing and healthcare requires a vast skill set. Leadership self-efficacy (LSE) has emerged as an important concept to support leadership development in the nursing literature. An analysis of LSE can clarify and inform strategies for leadership development among nurses.

Objective: To clarify the concept of LSE and understand how it relates to nurses' motivation and aspiration for formal leadership roles.

Method: A concept analysis using Rodgers' evolutionary method identified attributes, antecedents, and consequences of LSE. Twenty-three articles published between 1993 and 2022 were analyzed following a Boolean search of four databases - Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Scopus.

Results: LSE is an important element of nurses' aspiration to leadership. Leadership training, individual traits, and organizational support affect levels of LSE. When LSE is increased, job performance and nurses' motivation to take on formal leadership increase.

Conclusion: The concept analysis further expands knowledge about factors that affect LSE. It provides data on how LSE can be harnessed to support leadership development and career aspiration for nurses. Developing and nurturing LSE among nurses may be key in promoting leadership career aspirations. Nurse leaders in practice, research, and academia can use this knowledge as a guide in leadership program development.