According to Kouzes and Posner (1995) the majority of followers will respond to
leaders who are honest, forward-looking, inspiring, and competent. Kouzes and Posner's
(1995) leadership model is based on observable behaviours which can be taught and
learned. The model is comprehensive in that it explains in detail the behaviours and
activities related to each leader practice. It also provides tangible and numerous examples
from a variety of qualitative research and case studies to support the effective use of these
five leader practices. Leaders demonstrate specific behaviours related to each of these
practices when leading effectively. Kouzes and Posner's leadership model describes in
detail the reciprocal process of leadership and the empowering nature of the practices and
activities associated with these behaviours at all levels of the organization. The model
considers followers to be partners who are encouraged to participate in the process of
leadership. This philosophical perspective is aligned with nurses' understanding of the
dynamics of the nurse-patient relationship where the patient is considered an active
participant rather than a passive recipient in the care planning process and as a result is an
important member of the healthcare team (Porter-O'Grady, 2007).