The Similarities And Differences Of Leadership In Nursing

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How do we identify one as a manager or a leader? Leadership and management are closely interrelated with each other. A leader is described as someone who leads whilst a manager as someone who directs or who is in charge of something (Merriam-Webster) yet both definitions imply that someone follows. This essay will cover both the differences and similarities of leadership and management, identify the process of management and critique two styles of leadership. It would also tackle the importance of leadership and management in nursing and why new nurses need these skills to be successful in the field.

Management and leadership are distinct concepts, although in practice there is significant overlap and interconnection between management and …show more content…

There is a minimum of leader participation. A leader using this style may seem to be apathetic. Because the style is based on non-interference, a clear decision may never be formulated. The laissez-faire style results in a decision, conscious or otherwise, to avoid interference and let events take their own course. The leader is either permissive and fosters freedom or is inept at guiding a group. Followers may need greater structure than the leader gives them. Despite its potential drawbacks, this style has advantages when used with groups of fully independent care providers or professional working together (Huber …show more content…

Productivity is usually high, but creativity, self-motivation, and autonomy are reduced. Useful in crisis situations frequently found in large bureaucracies such as the armed forces (Marquis & Huston 2009).
The Laissez-faire leader is characterised by following behaviours:
Permissive, with little or no control, motivates by support when requested by the group/individuals, uses upward and downward communication between members of the group, disperses decision making throughout the group, places emphasis on the group, do not criticize.
Because it is non-directed leadership this leadership style can be frustrating; group apathy and disinterest can occur. However when all group members are highly motivated and self-directed, this result can result in much creativity and productivity. This type of leadership is appropriate when problems are poorly defined and brainstorming is needed to generate alternative solutions (Marquis & Huston

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