Rationale. Based on Kouses and Posner's (1995) leadership model and Kanter's
(1977) theory of structural empowerment, it is hypothesized that staff nurses' perceptions
of nurse manager leadership and structural empowerment are positively related to staff
nurse clinical leadership. Nurse managers who demonstrate the five leadership practices
described by Kouzes and Posner (1995) will challenge the status quo and initiate change
to improve the work environment to ensure staff nurses have the resources and support
they need to practice according to their professional standards. That is, if nurse managers
use Kouzes and Posner's leadership practices they are more likely to create empowering
work environments that support the clinical leadership of staff nurses.
Staff nurses who practice in empowering work environments will feel
empowered to enact clinical leadership practices, such as challenging the process,
inspiring a shared vision, modeling the way, enabling others to act and encouraging the
heart in the clinical setting. Kanter's (1977) structural theory describes access to
information, support, opportunity and resources as empowering for employees to
accomplish their work. Staff nurses who have access to information, support and
opportunities for professional growth are more likely to feel empowered to use their
professional knowledge and skills on behalf of patients, thereby promoting high quality
care. Thus, structural empowerment is hypothesized to positively influence the use of
clinical leader behaviours by staff nurses. These behaviours reflect clinical leadership in
the practice setting.