• Jennifer A Kaiser.
• Spectrum Health, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
• J Nurs Manag. 2017 Mar 1; 25 (2): 110-118.

AimThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of leadership styles on the reported rates of lateral hostility in nurses.BackgroundPrevious explanations of horizontal incivility point to oppressed group behaviour and socialisation of nurses. Leadership and organisational culture are known to have a profound impact on workplace behaviour, yet few studies have examined the relationship between leadership style and nurse-to-nurse incivility.MethodsA survey was used to assess the perceived levels of incivility and the leadership styles experienced by 237 participants defined as 'staff nurses'.ResultsTransformational leadership style had the strongest correlation with low levels of incivility. Staff input and leader/staff teamwork also influence staff incivility.ConclusionsLeadership style is not a definitive factor of incivility, but leader behaviours impact the level of incivility between staff nurses. The relationship between leaders and staff and the empowerment of staff have the strongest impact on nurse incivility.Implications For Nursing ManagementThe factors found to correlate with incivility in this study are under the influence of nurse leaders. Relationships and interpersonal dynamics must be attended to. Leaders can also instil the structures known to foster nurse empowerment, which are discussed.© 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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