Psychological competence: the key to leader empowering behaviors.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of specific cognitions or aspects of psychological empowerment on 5 major aspects of leader empowering behaviors.


BACKGROUND
Leader empowering behaviors are linked to important employee outcomes such as work effectiveness. Psychologically empowered leaders are known to use more empowering behaviors in their practice. There is limited research examining what aspects of psychological empowerment are most associated with different aspects of leader empowering behaviors.


METHODS
Data from a sample of 103 frontline and midlevel nurse leaders were analyzed after they participated in a leadership development program.


RESULTS
Psychological competence was the strongest predictor of the total score for leader empowering behaviors and 4 of 5 subscale scores, and meaning was the 2nd strongest predictor. Autonomy was not a significant predictor.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological empowerment, particularly in the form of psychological competence, is an important leader characteristic and should be a focus of leadership development strategies.
Author Affiliations: PhD Candidate (Ms Havaei), Associate Professor (Drs Dahinten and MacPhee), School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Farinaz
F
Havaei
V Susan
VS
Dahinten
Maura
M
MacPhee
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D020377:Self Efficacy