Assessment Task
There are numerous leadership styles used in nursing, all of which impact on the quality of
care provided and, ultimately, patient outcomes. Five commonly used styles in nursing include:
transactional leadership; transformational leadership; democratic leadership; authoritarian
leadership and laissez-faire leadership.
1. Choose three of the above listed leadership styles. Critically analyse each of your
chosen styles by examining the benefits and limitations of each. Identify clinical
situation(s) where the leadership style/s may be appropriate and provide your
rationale (approx. 750 words).
2. Choose a nursing role model from your previous clinical placement or workplace
(e.g., a preceptor, nurse manager, associate nurse unit manager, senior
registered nurse, clinical support nurse or educator). Briefly introduce your role
model by including their position and the clinical context in which you worked with
them (ensure you maintain their anonymity). Identify the leadership style or
styles they use and describe their behaviours and actions that demonstrate the
style(s) (approx. 250 words).
3. Discuss how your role model’s leadership style promotes professional practice
and quality care. Include the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice and
other literature to support your discussion (approx. 500 words)
