Article Review Example: Using the Path-Goal Theory Leadership to Enhance Administration of Nursing Care Services

Authors: Goodman John Ani; Nwodoh C. Oliver; Pat U. Okpala; Ephraim O. Dyages; Moses I. AkeseTitle of Article: Using the Path-Goal Theory Leadership to Enhance Administration of Nursing Care Services

Title of Journal: Journal of Harmonized Research; 3(2), 2017, 95-105

Introduction

This article is exploring the application of the Path-goal theory to improve the administration of the nursing care. Organizing and coordinating nursing activities is achieved through an efficient system of leadership which ensures that the nursing activities, functions, and nursing care are synchronized to attain the goals of a given nursing organization. Leaders are expected to be effective which involves implementing operational culture which motivates and gets the best out of the subordinates. The implementation of appropriate leadership system will increase satisfaction levels of the workforce, thus increasing the work unit performance. According to Robert Houses Path-goal theory, it is suggested that a leader in a particular institution should influence the outcomes of the operational elements such as satisfaction, performance, and motivation of employees (Ani, Oliver, Dyages and Akese, 2017, p2). Maximizing the abilities and potential of the nursing practitioners is a critical concern when it comes to delivery of nursing services. Adoption of the Path-goal leadership is perceived as the viable solution to the pitfalls experienced nursing administration. It is imperative for nurse leaders to embrace the implementation of the path-goal concept in various applicable levels and departments to enhance the delivery of the nursing services.

Primary Topic of the Article: Hypothesis/Research Questions

The health care of the patients is mainly provided by medical practitioners. The health care system constitutes of professionals from various disciplines which merge their efforts to enhance meeting of the patients medical needs. Ani, Oliver, Dyages and Akese (2017) hypothesize that effective leadership is vital in the health organizations. Apparently, effective leadership should prioritize the exploitation of employees potentials thus motivating them to perform at relatively higher levels. Different nursing organizations are facing administrative challenges. The typical managerial problems encountered include having the workforce which is demotivated and dissatisfied thus producing dismal performances. Low productivity of health care providers will result in provision of low-quality nursing services, ultimately putting patients lives at risk.

The article is also focusing on exploring available strategic options that can be utilized to solve administration crises endured experienced in nursing organizations. The Path-goal theory of leadership has been earmarked as an alternative approach that can counter the administrative challenges beleaguering various nursing organizations. Typically, the path-goal leadership principle has been structured to give guidelines on what leaders should observe to enable followers to achieve outlined goals. The principle of Path-goal leadership emphasizes on the selection of particular behaviors that are suitable to the needs of the staff and the environment/situation they are working (Northouse, 2016, p115). An appropriate choice of leadership increases expectations of success and satisfaction among the followers (subordinates). This research calls for the integration of the path-goal leadership concept with the administration of the nursing organization to help solve the underlying managerial challenges.

The article has provided the framework on how the Path-goal theory can apply to the nursing services. Clarification of the leaders behaviors is vital. The leader ought to be willing to help the followers to attain the set goals through the acquisition of particular knowledge in performing the assigned tasks. Ani, Oliver, Dyages and Akese (2017) present that directive leader behavior is suitable in a health care system. It gives the guidelines to the nurses on how to handle organizational performances, goals and expectations. For instance, a nurse leader is supposed to give clarifications on workforce performance goals and providing procedures on how particular tasks can complete by employees (Ani, Oliver, Dyages and Akese, 2017, p5). The directive leader is also required to implement appropriate appraisal system that avails proper way of rewarding and punishing the staff against the existing performance standards. The directive leadership is considered to be the most preferred approach when it comes guiding student nurses and nurses who are still in the learning phase.

Apart from directive leader behaviors, the article has also identified participative, supportive, achievement-oriented as part of leadership practices that nursing administrators should adopt in line with the application of the Path-goal principles of leadership. The article has also highlighted leadership strategies that need to be implemented to ensure the workforce remains motivated and highly satisfied. Removing of obstacles hindering performances, clarification of employees duties and increasing rewards for the top performing workers are some of the leadership strategies meant to motivate and improve organizational productivity as suggested by Path-goal theory.

The article concludes that application of the path-goal theory of leadership in the delivery of nursing services will lead to a highly satisfied workforce and pragmatic leadership. The model also enhances the achievement of the organizational goals, thus improving the patient care outcomes. The article recommends that nurse leaders should embrace the adoption of the path-goal leadership which plays a significant role in solving various administrative challenges.

Summary/Findings

The information provided in this article is closely interrelated with the subject matter. The research focused on exploring the application of the path-goal theory of leadership in enhancing the administration of the nursing care services. The article has properly utilized the theoretical concepts. This research report has been segmented into various logical sections which seamlessly fits into each other. The general section at the beginning of the paper is vital in giving the direction and stating the scope of this article. Other sections such as introduction, findings, conclusion and recommendation create a theoretical framework that paves the way for the logical flow of ideas. The results provided in this article are also verifiable. The authors of the article have done a thorough research as attested by a significant number of references where the information is cited/quoted. The principles of grammar have also been observed thus enhancing the readability and understandability of the article.

The article is also exceptional in answering its research questions and linking up with the stated hypothesis. The report provides adequate background information on the path-goal leadership theory before integrating it with nursing management. It outlines the guidelines that need to be followed when applying the principles of the effective leadership of the administration of the health care systems. The article also depicts an element of simplicity which implies that it is easily explained and understand to a specified audience. However, the article failed to give an example of the nursing organization where the path-goal leadership has been successfully implemented.

References

Ani, G. J., Oliver, N. C., Okpala, P. U., Dyages, E. O., & Akese, M. I. (2017). Using the Path-Goal Theory Leadership to Enhance Administration of Nursing Care Services. Journal of Harmonized Research, 3(2), 95-105.

Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice (7th edition ed.). London: SAGE Publications.