In a test of Hersey and Blanchard's situational leadership theory, 91 full-time nurses and their supervisors provided data on employee performance, maturity, and affect as well as leader style. Although directional results were obtained that supported the theory in the low- and moderate-maturity conditions, the magnitude of these results was not significant. Further research in this area is encouraged, with a goal of overcoming the shortcomings of prior research and the obstacles that may be inherent in the study of the proposed processes.
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