A director of nursing encourages nurse managers to mentor staff nurses. Which type of power is being displayed?

The type of power being displayed in this scenario is influential power. When the director of nursing encourages nurse managers to mentor staff nurses, it demonstrates a form of power that is centered on the ability to inspire and motivate others to develop skills and enhance their professional growth. Influential power arises from the respect and trust that the director commands among the nurse managers, who are likely to feel empowered to take on the mentoring role with their staff nurses.

This approach not only fosters a collaborative and enriching work environment but also enhances the overall quality of patient care by ensuring that staff nurses receive guidance and support from their more experienced peers. Influential power is often seen as a positive force within organizations, as it encourages leadership behaviors that can lead to improved outcomes and morale.

In contrast, utilitarian power typically refers to the ability to control rewards or benefits, coercive power relies on fear or punishment to influence behavior, and legitimate power stems from a formal authority or position. The context here highlights the director's ability to ethically influence others through mentorship rather than through defined authority or fear-based tactics, which is why influential power is the correct interpretation in this situation.