The Influence of Authentic Leadership and Empowerment on New-Graduate Nurses' Perceptions of Interprofessional Collaboration

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine new-graduate nurses' perceptions of the influence of authentic leadership and structural empowerment on the quality of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare work environments. BACKGROUND: Although the challenges associated with true interprofessional collaboration are well documented, new-graduate nurses may feel particularly challenged in becoming contributing members. Little research exists to inform nurse leaders' efforts to facilitate effective collaboration in acute care settings. METHODS: A predictive nonexperimental design was used to test a model integrating authentic leadership and workplace empowerment as resources that support interprofessional collaboration. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis revealed that 24% of the variance in perceived interprofessional collaboration was explained by unit-leader authentic leadership and structural empowerment (R-2 = 0.24, F = 29.55, P = .001). Authentic leadership (beta = .294) and structural empowerment (beta = .288) were significant independent predictors. 6CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that authentic leadership and structural empowerment may promote interprofessional collaborative practice in new nurses.