Barriers and Facilitators to Delegation Among Clinical Nurse Managers: A Qualitative Study
| Author | Tahereh Gilvari | en |
| Author | Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab | en |
| Author | Hamidreza Khankeh | en |
| Author | Abbas Ebadi | en |
| Orcid | Tahereh Gilvari [0000-0002-8020-1085] | en |
| Orcid | Masoud Fallahi-Khoshknab [0000-0003-0507-0107] | en |
| Orcid | Hamidreza Khankeh [0000-0002-9532-5646] | en |
| Orcid | Abbas Ebadi [0000-0002-2911-7005] | en |
| Accessioned Date | 2026-10-25T04:28:40Z | |
| Issued Date | 2026-12-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Delegation is a fundamental managerial competency that supports the effective distribution of responsibilities, continuity of care, optimal workforce utilization, and quality of care. However, delegation remains a complex and context-dependent process influenced by organizational, managerial, operational, and professional factors. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing delegation from the perspectives of clinical nurse managers. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted between April and November 2025 in three hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Seventeen clinical nurse managers were recruited through purposive sampling with maximum variation and participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed concurrently using conventional content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman’s framework. Results: Key factors influencing delegation practices were classified into two main categories and seven subcategories. Barriers to delegation included a culture of control and distrust, restrictive managerial beliefs, operational and coordination barriers, and reward and recognition barriers. Facilitators of delegation included the professional competence of delegated staff, the leadership competence of nurse managers, and a supportive organizational climate. Conclusions: Delegation among clinical nurse managers is shaped by interrelated organizational, managerial, operational, and professional factors rather than by individual managerial decisions alone. Addressing organizational barriers while strengthening leadership competencies, fostering a supportive organizational climate, and enhancing the professional competence of delegated staff may improve delegation practices and contribute to safer, more effective nursing care. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.5812/jnms-172192 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/jnms/articles/172192 | en |
| Keyword | Personnel Delegation | en |
| Keyword | Nursing Administrators | en |
| Keyword | Organizational Culture | en |
| Keyword | Leadership | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | Barriers and Facilitators to Delegation Among Clinical Nurse Managers: A Qualitative Study | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |
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