Toxic leadership behaviour of nurse managers on perceived job satisfaction and productivity of nursing workforce in sub-Saharan Ghana: A multi-centre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Aim: This study aimed at assessing the nature and effect of toxic leadership of nurse managers on the perceived job satisfaction and productivity of the nursing workforce. Background: Nursing job outcomes such as job satisfaction and productivity are influenced by various factors in the nursing practice environment including leadership. Due to rising health care expenses and depleting material resources, the productivity of nurses that is expected to improve the efficiency of health care organizations is mostly low. Managers’ toxic behaviour towards nurses affects their job satisfaction and subsequently low productivity. Method: A multi-centre, cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Validated tools were used to collect data from participants, and data were analysed using descriptive, correlation, and hierarchical linear regressions. Results: Registered nurses appraised the leadership behaviour of nurse managers to be toxic, with most managers exhibiting narcissistic leadership behaviour. Though all the components of toxic leadership behaviour of manager and job satisfaction were associated with the perceived productivity of the nurses; only intemperate leadership behaviour of the managers (β = .301, p < .005), and job satisfaction (β = .296, p < .001) significantly predicted perceived productivity among nurses (R2 = .238, F(7, 922) = 41.088, p < .001). Conclusion: Nurse managers’ leadership behaviours were toxic. Nurses’ job satisfaction and all components of managers’ toxic leadership behaviour influenced productivity. Implications for Nursing Management: There should be a policy developed to guide the creation and maintenance of efficient nursing leadership to enhance job satisfaction and productivity among nurses.