The Philosophy of Nursing

Paper Summary:

This paper delves into the principles behind the House-Mitchell Path-Goal which cites that a leader must be responsive to the overall organizational environment. This paper discusses the uniqueness of the Path-Goal theory which suggests that leaders are not born but rather nurtured and empowered. This paper focuses on the benefits of the theory and its significance in the healthcare field. The writer contends and explains that this theory is a valuable tool for nurses as it stresses the constantly changing needs of the individual patient while at the same time empowers and encourages leadership on the part of the healthcare professional. This paper also examines the resulting impact in the roles of leaders and their leadership style by following the principals of the House-Mitchell Path-Goal theory.

From the Paper:

"The situational aspect of the leadership model does not place all of the responsibility on the leader, however, but on the organizational support given to the leader and the originator of the directive, such as the doctor. It also recognizes external and subjective factors such as the subordinate's personality as well as the characteristics of the environment may place different demands upon the nurse's leadership skills. For example, a subordinate with little experience or personal, internal locus of control, a directive leadership still might be more appropriate, versus directing subordinates with high levels of confidence and leadership ability themselves. Achievement oriented leadership might be necessary in an organization undergoing substantial reorganization and requiring new vision as well as short-term goal setting, but an organization requiring greater internal cohesiveness on a particular unit might require new small meetings, and an injection of participative leadership strategies."

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