Work

An Exploration of Nurse Manager Leadership Styles and the Effect on Work Engagement Among Staff Nurses: A Mixed‐Method Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: To provide a comprehensive understanding of how nurse managers' leadership styles affect staff engagement and to identify key themes that influence engagement from both statistical and experiential perspectives within a multicultural healthcare context. DESIGN: Explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, with integration occurring across the design, methods and reporting stages using the Pillar Integration Process. METHODS: The study was conducted in four public hospitals in western Saudi Arabia. Quantitative data were collected from 278 registered nurses using the validated Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-5X) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Thirteen nurses participated in follow-up semi-structured interviews. The study adhered to the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) guidelines. RESULTS: Four integrated themes emerged: relational leadership, recognition and reward, impact of neglectful leadership and cultural competence in leadership. Saudi and non-Saudi nurses perceived leadership differently, influenced by cultural norms. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Source: Nursing Open

DOI: 10.1002/nop2.70407

Authors: Amal Alluhaybi, Kim Usher, Joanne Durkin, Amanda Wilson

Institutions: University of Technology Sydney, Umm al-Qura University, University of New England, University of Newcastle Australia

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,390