Managerial Competencies of Nurse Managers in Ghana

Abstract

Managerial competencies of nurse managers are believed to influence the efficiency of healthcare. Amidst the global shortage of nurses and the rising cost of healthcare, it is imperative to assess the managerial competencies of nurse managers. Using the Katz Skills Model as the organising framework, this study assessed the managerial competencies of nurse managers at the unit level. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 121 nurse managers in 10 hospitals in the eastern region of Ghana. The nurse managers showed knowledge and the ability to apply different managerial competencies depending on the situation. They were more inclined to apply technical skills, followed by human skills and conceptual skills. Experience as a nurse, experience as a nurse manager, qualifications, and training in management together predicted their technical skills (R2 = 0.154, p = 0.002) and conceptual skills (R2 = 0.174, p < 0.001). However, only training in management contributed significantly to the managerial competencies of the nurse managers. At the 0.05% alpha level, increasing qualifications above an advanced diploma was associated with having better technical skills. The study presents new empirical evidence congruent with the Katz Skills Model that nurse managers require the knowledge and ability to apply technical, human, and conceptual skills in the performance of their managerial functions, and that no particular competency is ideal for every situation.