Conclusion
The results of this study provide support for Kanter’s (1977) theory of
organizational empowerment and for a link between this theory and those
of Conger and Kanungo (1988) and Maslach and Letier (1997). The results
reinforce the importance of leadership in creating engaging, satisfying
workplaces for nurses. Nursing is currently facing a severe shortage, both
of nurses and of nurse managers. It is critically important to take steps to
ensure that work environments are of sufficient quality that both nurses
and nurse managers feel empowered to do their work in optimal ways that
engage them and foster job satisfaction. It will also be important for current
and future nurse managers to learn new ways of leading that will empower
staff nurses to engage in their work and to be motivated to provide the highquality
care their patients deserve. Engaged professional nurses and empowering
nurse managers are critical to preserving the quality of our healthcare
delivery system and the health of Canadians.