Leadership in Nursing - Research Paper Example

Any chief nursing officer exercising formal power in a health care centre tends to apply it on a day to day basis within the process of performing its work (Fairholm, 2009). However, the informal normally apply it when it fits their own interest. This leaves a person wondering what this thing called power refers to; apparently, this is a person’s control or influence on the behavior of other persons with or without their approval (Fairholm, 2009). In other words, this is the ability to have a say within organizational doings directly or indirectly, thereby serving the interests of an individual or a group (Miller, 2008).

Therefore, power happens to be an inherent element in any health care, which features significantly within the process of decision making. Owing to their work relationships, some chief nursing officers are capable of exercising an excessive level of power of their formal job description (Morgan, 2006). Health care centers normally have an organizational chart listing the relationship, as well as ranks of positions in the organization (Fairholm, 2009). The chart specifies the lines of authority, along with the responsibilities of several positions while outlining the formal power structure of health care.

In this case, formal power refers to rank on the corporate ladder, structure or job function (Fairholm, 2009). On the other hand, power crops up from interpersonal sources like the personality, talents, charisma and characteristics of the health care centre’s individual members thus becoming the informal heads of the organization (Miller, 2008). In this case, they tend to play a significant task in the efficacy of health care, since they might at times exert more power compared to the formal authorities.

Therefore, it is essential for the chief nursing officer to acknowledge these individuals early and by ensuring that they get utilized in benefitting the organization (Fairholm, 2009).