Evaluation of the effects of authentic leadership styles of managers in health care organizations on the work motivation of nurses (Sample of Gümüşhane province )

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the authentic leadership styles of managers working in healthcare institutions in Gümüşhane Province on the job motivation of nurses and to develop recommendations. The study, which is cross-sectional and descriptive, included all nurses (n=190) working in healthcare institutions in Gümüşhane Province between March and April 2024. The data of the study were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researcher and the advisor after reviewing the literature. The questionnaire included an informed consent form, questions about the nurses' sociodemographic characteristics, work environment and working conditions, ethical behavior, team spirit, job satisfaction-related behaviors, and questions from the Authentic Leadership Scale, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale, and Nurse Job Motivation Scale. The questionnaire was administered directly under observation. The data were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, t-test, Mann Whitney U test, ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, and correlation tests. The significance level for all tests was set at 0.05. The study found that demographic factors (age, gender, marital status, education level, income level) did not have a significant effect on the variables examined. However, the years of service and satisfaction with the working environment of the participants had a significant impact on the scales examined. Specifically, participants who were satisfied with their work environment had higher job satisfaction and job motivation scores. Additionally, strong and statistically significant relationships were found between leadership style and job satisfaction and job motivation. It was determined that employees working in an environment with leaders who have authentic leadership qualities had higher job satisfaction and motivation. To increase the motivation of nurses and improve the quality of healthcare services, healthcare institutions should focus on employee satisfaction and leadership development.