Ethical Leadership and Nursing Work Environment as Predictors of Nurses’ Flourishing

Soltan, Esraa Mohammed; Ghonem, Nadia Mohamed Elsayed; El-Demerdash, Alaa Mohamed Salah

doi:10.21608/asnj.2025.436721.2197

Ethical Leadership and Nursing Work Environment as Predictors of Nurses’ Flourishing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

² Professor of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.

³ Lecturer of Nursing Administration, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt Assistant Professor, Business Administration Department, Gulf College, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

10.21608/asnj.2025.436721.2197

Abstract

Background: A supportive work environment reinforces values-driven practices that facilitate ethical leadership development. Together, these factors create a virtuous cycle that enhances nurses' experiences and outcomes while promoting flourishing. Aim: This study aimed to examine if ethical leadership and the nursing work environment are predictors of nurses’ flourishing at Ismailia Medical Complex. Design: A descriptive predictive correlational design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted. Subjects: A sample of 214 nurses participated in the study. Tools of data collection: Data were collected using the Ethical Leadership at Work Questionnaire, the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, and the Flourishing Scale. Results: Nurses perceived high levels of ethical leadership and evaluated their work setting as a favorable nursing practice environment. Furthermore, nurses reported high mean flourishing scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant predictive relationship between the independent variables (ethical leadership and practice environment) and the dependent variable (flourishing). Conclusion: Ethical leadership and a favorable nursing practice environment significantly predict nurses' flourishing. Recommendations: Healthcare administrators should emphasize ethical practices in workplace culture and leadership behaviors while creating supportive work environments through fairness in policies, decision-making, and resource allocation.

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