Styles of Nursing Management

Management and leadership styles play an important role in contemporary nursing. Various theories exist regarding this topic. As such, there are a variety of styles that the nursing manager may choose from. However, success in nursing management is not found in settling on one particular style. Rather, it is found in being flexible and adaptable to the variety of situations which arise in the nursing environment. Marson, Hartlebury, Johnston & Scammell (1990) refer to this flexibility as a "balance of styles." These authors note that no one style is better than the others, "but each may be more appropriate and effective in a given situation" (p. 37). According to these authors, a balance of styles exists whenever a nursing manager is able to use the right style "on the right occasion with the right people" (p. 37).

Phifer (1990) claims that there are seven basic managerial styles in the field of nursing. These styles are descriptively referred to as the "Godfather," the "Ostrich," the "DoItYourselfer," the "Detailer," the "Politician," the "Arbitrator," and the "Eager Beaver." Although people often adopt one of these styles as a guideline for managerial behavior, Phifer claims that sensitivity to a variety of styles is the key to successful management. In her words, each of the seven styles "meets some of the needs of the organization some of the time, but not one of them alone can describe an effective nurse manager" (p. 164). A different style might be more

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mon goal. In addition, the manager must be able to make the staff feel competent in their work. Because of this, an important aspect in leadership style is the ability of managers to "empower their staff" (Manthey, 1990, p. 18). The best way to empower one's followers is by providing an inspiring example. Therefore, another important aspect in leadership style is the ability to "motivate the members of the team" (Marson, Hartlebury, Johnston & Scammell, 1990, p. 38). Managerial leaders motivate their followers in a variety of ways. However, the primary motivator in all cases is the example which is set by the leader. In the word of Manthey (1990), "leaders are people who influence others by how they act and what they say" (p. 19). There are other aspects to be found in successful leadership styles, as well. For example, in addition to being able to stir up enthusiasm, the effective leader must: have a clear vision of the future; be visible to followers; and be willing to take risks (Shaw, 1989, p. 180). Orth, Wilkinson and Benfari (1990) provide a model for nursing management which equates the role of the manager with that of an athletic coach. Perhaps the most striking thing about this approach to style is the fact

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