Journal of Research Administration

Abstract

Background: Authentic leadership is characterized by leaders who act consistently with their values and beliefs while fostering trust, empowerment, and psychological safety among employees. Such leadership creates a supportive work environment that promotes nurses’ innovative behavior and enhances work motivation. Aim: To determine the effect of an authentic leadership training program for head nurses on nurses’ innovative behavior and work motivation at Hafar Al-Batin Central Hospital, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was conducted in all departments of Hafar Al-Batin Central Hospital. The study included 97 head nurses and 114 staff nurses. Data were collected using the Authentic Leadership Knowledge Questionnaire, Authentic Leadership Self-Assessment Questionnaire, Innovative Work Behavior Questionnaire, and Work Motivation Questionnaire. Results: The mean score of authentic leadership knowledge improved significantly from 11.39 ± 3.63 before the intervention to 14.34 ± 2.13 immediately after the program and 14.44 ± 2.02 at the three-month follow-up. Similarly, the mean authentic leadership perception score increased from 53.20 at baseline to 70.76 immediately post-intervention. Nurses’ innovative work behavior improved from 30.97 before the program to 39.25 immediately after the intervention, while work motivation increased from 42.39 to 65.32. These improvements were statistically significant across all program phases. Conclusion: The authentic leadership training program significantly improved head nurses’ authentic leadership knowledge and leadership practices, which were associated with enhanced nurses’ innovative work behavior and work motivation. Integrating authentic leadership training into nursing leadership development programs is recommended to foster innovation, motivation, and positive organizational outcomes in healthcare settings.