Primary care nurses' perception of leadership and the influence of individual and work setting characteristics: A descriptive study

AIMS: The aim of this study is to describe primary care nurses' perceptions of their formal leaders' leadership behaviours and outcomes and explore differences based upon nurses' individual and work setting characteristics. BACKGROUND: Formal nursing leadership is positively associated with patient, nurse workforce and organizational outcomes, yet no studies have examined primary care nurses' perception of formal leadership behaviours and outcomes in the United States. METHODS: Cross‐sectional survey data from 335 primary care nurses were analysed to assess perceived leadership behaviours associated with transformational, transactional and passive‐avoidant leadership styles, perceived leadership outcomes and individual and work setting characteristics. RESULTS: Positive leadership behaviours (transformational) were lower than those reported for other settings. There were significant differences in nurses' perceptions of their leaders' leadership behaviours and outcomes based upon individual and work setting characteristics. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed differences in perception of leadership and that individual and work setting characteristics influence nurses' perception of their leaders in primary care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Leaders must be versatile and consider the unique needs of each staff member and the influence of clinic characteristics.