Abstract
M.Cur. (Nursing Management)
The objective of this study was to identify and describe the motivation of nurse leaders.
A quantitative, descriptive design and stratified sampling was used. Participants
comprised of Unit Managers (n=49) from five hospitals in a Private Hospital group in
South Africa. A self administered questionaire was designed by using the Multi
Dimensional Work Motivation Scale to collect the data. Data was analysed using the
IBM SPSS 22.0 program. The results indicated that the nurse leaders in this study
were intrinsically motivated and that Identified and Introjected Regulation had an
influence on their motivation. Their motivation was influenced by support, relatedness,
autonomy and competence. No relationships were found between motivation and age,
years in a management position, gender, qualifications and staff reporting structure.
By implication, to understand what motivates nurse leaders and to keep them
motivated by providing recommendations to senior nursing and HR management
which will enhance their motivation, would have positive patient outcomes, as well as
on the success of the organisation.