ABSTRACT
Leadership in occupational health (OH) nursing is a fundamental requirement if practitioners are to meet the challenges of the changing work environment, influence national strategies and meet the on-going development of professional practice. This chapter seeks to focus on two main groups of leadership theories; traditional – trait, behavioural, contingency and contemporary – transactional and transformational and the leadership styles adopted as a part of them. Kurt Lewin's seminal work in the 1930s on behavioural based leadership styles and performance argued that there are three types of behavioural leadership styles: autocratic, participative and laissez-faire. Good leaders adapt their style to suit the differing circumstances, the social, political and cultural environment of the organisation and what the desired outcomes are. The most effective leadership style depends on the interaction between the leader, team members and the situation. Therefore the value of the leadership style is evaluated by the desired outcomes. Leadership style can be learned and adapted.
