Nursing Leadership: Power, Authority, and Influence in Nursing

ability of one person or group to influence another to achieve desired outcomes that can be formal or informal

Power

the legitimate, formal right to direct others that comes from a position or title within the organization.

Authority

The actual process of affecting the thoughts, behavior, and decisions of others

influence

the act of using power

influence

ability to give rewards (positive outcomes and result)

reward power

ability to punish or withhold rewards (negative outcomes or results) which is generally considered a less effective and destructive leadership style

Coercive Power

a power that comes from specialized knowledge or skills

personal power or expert power

Comes from a person’s charisma, likability, and ability to inspire loyalty

referent power

a power that comes from having access to or control over important information

information power

formal right to command

authority

the duty to perform a task and be accountable for the outcome

responsibility

5 sources of power

reward power, coercive power, personal power, referent power, information power

Influence Strategy in Nursing: using logical arguments and data

rational persuasion

Influence Strategy in Nursing: inspiring commitment by appealing to values and ideals

Inspirational Appeals

Influence Strategy in Nursing: involving others in the decision making process

Consultation

Influence Strategy in Nursing: working together to solve a problem

collaboration

Influence Strategy in Nursing: using flattery and praise

Ingratiation

Influence Strategy in Nursing: Using demands threats or intimidation

pressure