Comparison of Leadership and Management in Nursing
The topic of managers and leaders is an important one in nursing. Nurses often have to make life-or-death decisions and resolve various conflicts, indicating the need for effective leaders who can guide the profession (American Nurses Association [ANA], n.d.). A manager typically oversees daily operations and is expected to possess leadership qualities.
Nonetheless, there is a difference between a leader and a manager, namely in the function they perform. The former inspires others and impacts their actions, whereas the latter is more concerned with taking steps toward meeting organizational goals (Nagle et al., 2021). Leaders and managers are crucial figures in nursing, yet they possess distinct qualities.
People in the two positions can be distinguished by their potency. The strengths of a manager include the ability to handle administrative operations, the capacity to advance continuously, and the demonstration of qualities such as honesty, creativity, and vision. The potencies of a leader include the ability to influence others’ behavior and encourage them, the power to improve job satisfaction, and strong communication skills (Demirhan, 2020). Notably, both sets of qualities appear essential for nurses to provide humane, dignified, and respectful care (ANA, n.d.). Overall, the two positions differ in their strengths, each of which is significant in nursing.
Furthermore, managers and leaders can be described based on the functions they perform well. An individual in the former position would excel in roles that require adherence to organizational rules and legal requirements, supervising work activities, and focusing on evidence-based practice. In comparison, a leader would likely stand out in roles that mandate motivating and directing others to reach specific goals (Demirhan, 2020; Nagle et al., 2021). Accordingly, leaders and managers are likely to concentrate on performing distinct functions.
It seems there is little chance that one person can be both a good manager and a good leader. For example, Nagle et al. (2021) conducted a study examining the challenge of simultaneously holding the two positions and found that this task is challenging. Nurses involved in the analysis were worried that their managerial responsibilities were taking so much time that they could not focus on their leadership commitments.
Moreover, the investigators suggest that diverse work factors are likely to make it difficult for an individual to concentrate on both functions, thus creating an internal conflict (Nagle et al., 2021). Therefore, one can argue that a person may exhibit qualities of both a manager and a leader, but may not be able to focus on both positions simultaneously.
Personal Reflection
I would consider myself to be somewhat more of a manager than a leader. As noted above, managers are more inclined to focus on following regulations than leaders (Demirhan, 2020; Nagle et al., 2021). Similarly, perhaps because I am a student, I am more likely to adhere to ordinances, as certain conduct is expected of me. Consequently, I would say that I reflect a manager rather than a leader.
I believe that my biblical worldview impacts my actions as a manager by guiding my behavior. For instance, adherence to regulations is likely to require integrity, and the Bible suggests that such a quality is crucial for the upright (Holy Bible, Proverbs 11:3, 2011). Moreover, as mentioned earlier, managers should strive to advance themselves (Demirhan, 2020). The Bible also indicates the significance of guiding others with “skillful hands” (Holy Bible, Psalm 78:72, 2011). Accordingly, my biblical worldview guides my behavior by reminding me of what is important in all my activities, including my role as a manager.
References
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Ethics and human rights. ANA.
Demirhan, B. S. (2020). The effect of leadership behaviours of nurse managers on nurses’ work motivation. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 13(1), 381-391.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica, Inc.
Nagle, C., Omonaiye, O., & Bennett, P. N. (2021). Valuing nurse and midwifery unit managers’ voices: A qualitative approach. BMC Nursing, 20, 1-9.