The nurse leader who empowers staff to participate in decision-making activities is exhibiting which leadership style?

• A. Laissez-faire
• B. Situational
• C. Democratic
• D. Autocratic

Answer: (C)

Empowering staff to participate in decision-making is a hallmark of democratic leadership, also known as participative leadership. In this style, the nurse leader invites input, facilitates discussion, and shares decision-making with the team. This approach builds collaboration, ownership, and morale, and it often leads to better problem-solving and buy-in for changes.

Autocratic leadership centers decisions with the leader and limits staff input. Laissez-faire is a hands-off approach with minimal direction, offering little structure for decision-making. Situational leadership focuses on adapting the style to the followers and the situation, rather than consistently empowering staff to decide together.