Does Innovative Leadership Affect Evidence-Based Practice: A Path Analysis on the Nursing Group

Objectives: Nurses are professionals who lead innovations. They also bring innovations to the clinical field through evidence based practices. This study aims to determine the relationship between nurses’ innovative leadership levels and evidence-based practice nursing leadership–work environment levels. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a descriptive correlational design. Data were collected using the personal information form, Innovative Leadership Scale, Evidence-Based Practice Nursing Leadership, and Evidence-Based Practice Work Environment Scales. The study was conducted with 246 volunteer nurses. The models were evaluated using path analysis, and fit indices in the study. Results: The nurses evaluated that the innovative leadership of the managers was high and the evidence-based practice nursing leadership/the evidence-based practice work environment of their managers was moderate. It was determined that the level of managers' innovative leadership directly and positively affected evidence-based practice nursing leadership, and evidence-based practice work environment. Conclusions: Innovative leadership positively affects evidence-based practice nursing leadership and evidence-based practice work environment. Managers’ innovativeness and leadership characteristics increase innovative leadership and evidence-based practice