The perceptions of health care professionals with regard to the use of authority by health service managers in Pietersburg Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the registered nurse’s perceptions with regard to the use of authority by nurse managers in the workplace. A qualitative approach using phenomenological descriptive design was used. Data was collected by means of audio-taped individual interviews and field notes. The sample included registered nurses aged 25-45 years with more than two years’ experience. Ethical issues were adhered to. The data was analysed using content analysis as proposed by Creswell (2013). Five themes and seventeen subthemes emerged from the data. The findings revealed that the registered nurses were unhappy with the way authority is being used, their non-involvement in decision-making; lack of two way communication between nurses and managers; poor relationship between nurses and health service managers which hindered nurses’ opportunity for growth. Autonomy is a major determinant of nurse job satisfaction, and failure to apply it may lead to high turnover and absenteeism.