Question

Compare two leadership theories. Provide an overview of each and discuss the strengths and weakness in relation to nursing practice.

Answer 1

Transactional theory:
Transactional leadership theory involves motivating and directing employees for their own self-interest. It follows the principle of reward and punishment to regulate discipline.
Strength:
-It motivates staffs to achieve the goal
-It provides clear structure and ideas for day to day nursing practice
-It is a cost-saving method and having high productivity
Weakness:
-It has strict policies and rules.
-It will encourage employees for their creativity
-Create negative emotional contact
-Increase stress
-Accountability of employees
Transformational leadership theory:
It inspires staff to change their expectations, motivation, and perception towards their goal. It achieves a higher level of motivation and follows team morals.
Strenth:
-it makes employee full engagement
-Lower the turn over cost
-It also creates team collaboration
-It creates enthusiasm, learning, and development
-It creates real communication with staffs for patient care
-it changes the low-morale situation
-It provides a positive outcome
-avoid coercion
Weakness:
-Negative outcome potential
-Need constant and consistent followup
-Risk can be disruptive
-It is a long process to change employees' behavior towards discipline.