An evaluation of the relationship between nurse managers' altruistic leadership levels and nurses' presenteeism levels

This descriptive and correlational study aimed to examine the relationship between nurse managers' altruistic leadership levels and nurses' presenteeism levels from the perspective of nurses. The research was conducted with 202 nurses working in three public hospitals in Trabzon. Data were collected using the "Descriptive Characteristics Form," the "Altruistic Leadership Scale (ALS)," and the "Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SP-6)," and analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression tests. The participating nurses had a mean age of 32.54 years; the majority were female, held a bachelor's degree, and more than half were married. One in seven nurses reported having a health problem, predominantly heart disease. According to the nurses, the mean altruistic leadership score of nurse managers was 3.37±0.93, and the presenteeism score of the nurses was 22.33±1.96. No significant correlation was found between nurse managers' altruistic leadership and nurses' presenteeism levels (r=-0.014; p=0.845). However, multiple regression analysis revealed that nurses who rated their working conditions as good (β=0.265; p=0.009) or moderate (β= 0.260; p=0.003), and those satisfied with their chief nursing officers (β=0.404; p=0.029) and colleagues (β= 0.599; p=0.034), reported significantly higher altruistic leadership scores for their managers (F=6.808; p<0.001; R²=0.188). Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were found in SP-6 scores based on personal or professional characteristics (p>0.05). In conclusion, both nurse managers' altruistic leadership levels and nurses' presenteeism levels were found to be moderate. There was no significant relationship between altruistic leadership and presenteeism levels. However, working conditions and satisfaction with managers and colleagues positively influenced nurses' perceptions of altruistic leadership. For these reasons, organizational policies and strategies should be improved to enhance working conditions, reduce presenteeism, and promote altruistic leadership among nurse managers.