Leadership Styles of Nurse Managers and their Influence on Employee Retention Among Staff Nurses in a Selected Provincial Hospital

This study examined the influence of nurse manager leadership styles on employee retention among staff nurses in a selected provincial hospital. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, data were gathered from 158 staff nurses through a validated questionnaire. The study focused on transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership styles and their relationship with employee retention indicators, including intent to stay, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, career development opportunities, and work environment support. Findings revealed that transformational and transactional leadership styles were highly evident among nurse managers, while laissez-faire behaviors were also observed. Staff nurses demonstrated high levels of employee retention across all indicators. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between leadership styles and employee retention, with transformational leadership emerging as the strongest positive influence. The study highlights the importance of effective leadership in promoting workforce stability, employee satisfaction, and organizational commitment among nurses and recommends leadership development initiatives to strengthen retention in healthcare organizations.