title: Boosting morale and improving performance in the nursing setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  While the importance of morale is well researched in the nursing literature, strategies and interventions are not so prolific. The complexities of interpersonal relationships within the clinical domain, and the critical issues faced by nurses on a daily basis, indicate that morale, job satisfaction and motivation are essential components in improving workplace efficiency, output and communication amongst staff. Drawing on educational, organizational and psychological literature, this paper argues that the ability to inspire morale in staff is a fundamental indicator of sound leadership and managerial characteristics.
  Four practical concepts that could be implemented in the clinical setting are proposed. These include: role preparation for managers, understanding internal and external motivation, fostering internal motivation in nursing staff, and the importance of attitude when investing in relationships.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Griffith University, Australia.
authors.forename: Peta
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stapleton
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: Debra K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Creedy
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooke
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Haywood
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dalton
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D009013:Morale; D009042:Motivation; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016272:Occupational Health; D015279:Organizational Culture; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D012944:Social Support; D017749:Total Quality Management; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology