Transformational leadership affecting the strategic management of mental health services of head nurses at community hospitals, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

Transformational leadership significantly influences organizational effectiveness, attitudes, satisfaction, and commitment, which in turn fosters changes in perspectives and work practices. This descriptive study aimed to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and the strategic management of mental health services among head nurses in community hospitals in Chachoengsao Province. The sample group comprised 73 professional nurses serving as head nurses in these hospitals. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed to assess transformational leadership's impact on the strategic management of mental health services, demonstrating a validity of 0.87 and a reliability of 0.98. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis, with a statistical significance set at a 95% confidence level.

The study results indicated that the perception of transformational leadership was at a high level (x̄ = 4.02, S.D. = 0.62), and the implementation of strategic management of mental health services was also at a high level (x̄ = 3.62, S.D. = 0.71). Overall, transformational leadership had a statistically significant positive relationship with the strategic management of mental health services, with a high correlation coefficient (r = 0.768, p < .001). Transformational leadership regarding idealized influence affected the strategic management of mental health services, explaining 58.9% of the variance (R² = 0.589). Therefore, to enhance the potential before becoming head of a department, the affiliated units must support strategic management according to the responsibilities of each individual. This ensures the development of practical guidelines and experiences that can be effectively passed on to subordinates.