Nurse managers’ perception of governance among Korean nurses

Aim This study aims to ascertain nurse managers' perception of nurses' governance and explore their perception of facilitating and hindering factors of shared governance. Background Shared governance has been introduced in nursing as a plan to improve nursing service quality. There is limited understanding about how governance is implemented. Methods A mixed-methods design was used to elicit Korean nurse managers' views. Results Quantitative data revealed the level of nurses' governance perceived by nurse managers as shared governance. However, among the subdomains, 'control over personnel' and 'participation in committee structures' indicate traditional governance. Analysis of qualitative data identified the factors that facilitate or hinder the subdomains: 'stifled atmosphere', 'nurse manager's encouragement', 'lack of opportunity and perception of the given authority' and 'flexible organisational structure'. Conclusion Findings from the study can be used to inform shared governance programmes for hospitals. Implications for nursing management Health care organisations, nurse managers and nurses must take action at each level to improve the current nurse governance situation. A flexible organisational culture with opinion windows for participation by nurses is important for shared governance. Supportive leadership of nurse managers and nurse-directed implementation could advance shared governance.