NURSE MANAGERS AND THE FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE CARE LEADERSHIP: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the factors which influence care leadership by nurse managers in light of Frederick Herzberg’s theory. Method: this is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study conducted in Luanda, the capital city of Angola, with three national reference hospitals. The participants were nurses holding management and leadership positions, such as nursing director, service head nurses and supervisors. The data were produced through interviews conducted from November to December 2023, using a semi-structured interview script. The IRaMuTeQ software was used for data processing with Descending Hierarchical Classification, followed by discursive analysis supported by Herzberg’s theory. Results: a total of 43 nurses participated in the study. The speeches were divided by IRaMuTeQ into 361 segments (83.5 %), organized into six classes: Class 1, Recognition and respect among colleagues and leaders; Class 6, Career aspirations in nursing; Class 2, Organization and supervision of nursing practices; Class 3, Challenges and obstacles faced in nursing practice; Class 4, Factors related to motivation and professional achievement; and Class 5, Factors related to basic needs and well-being. Conclusion: the results of this study highlight that motivational factors, such as recognition and opportunities for professional growth, are essential for job satisfaction among nurse managers. These factors are crucial to fostering a positive and engaging work environment. However, hygiene factors, such as poor working conditions and inadequate resources, were identified as predominant causes of dissatisfaction.