Transformational leadership: effect on the job satisfaction of Registered Nurses in a hospital in China.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction among clinical Registered Nurses at a tertiary care hospital in China.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare system is changing rapidly. Research in Western countries has shown that transformational leadership affects job satisfaction. However, very little research related to this subject has been conducted in healthcare settings in China.

METHODS: The sample consisted of 238 nurses who work at a tertiary care hospital in China. Data were collected from April to August 2006. Research instruments included a demographic data form, a Leadership Practice Inventory and a Job Satisfaction Scale for clinical registered nurses.

FINDINGS: Both the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction among clinical Registered Nurses were at a moderate level. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the transformational leadership of nurse managers and job satisfaction (r = 0·556, P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the transformational leadership of nurse managers could have an effect on the job satisfaction of clinical Registered Nurses.