A Survey on Philosophical Mentality in Nursing Managers

Background and Objectives: Philosophical mentality grant an individual the ability to think critically, analyse the situation correctly, make insightful decisions, and find appropriate solutions for the problems. Evidence shows that this mental capability can also positively affect the individuals’ creativity. In the health domain, where the complexity of healthcare procedures poses challenges to efficient management, presence of such a mental capability in healthcare managers is highly demanded. The aim of this study was to evaluate philosophical mentality in nursing managers of different demographic groups, and explore the correlation between their creativity and philosophical mentality. Methods: Five hospitals were randomly selected from 11 teaching hospitals in the Isfahan city situated in central Iran. All nursing mangers in hospitals (80) were surveyed in the census. Smith’s philosophical mentality questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. comprising 30 items related to three dimensions of the construct, including comprehensiveness, flexibility, and contemplation. Data were summarized using descriptive statistical methods. Comparison of philosophical mentality between demographic groups was carried out using t-test and ANOVA. Relationship between the philosophical mentality and its dimensions and creativity was explored using Pearson correlation coefficient. Findings: The mean philosophical mentality score was determined to be 72.5. The highest (80.10) and the lowest (63.50) score means were obtained for comprehensiveness and flexibility dimensions, respectively. No significant difference in score mean of philosophical mentality was identified between the two genders and between nursing managers of different levels of education. Creativity showed significant correlation with philosophical mentality and all its dimensions. Conclusions: Philosophical mentality can be equally achieved by any nursing manager regardless of their gender and level of education. Our results encourage hospital administrators to develop training programs on philosophical mentality to enhance creativity and thereby overall managerial performance in their nursing managers.