A nurse manager is implementing a plan to motivate unit personnel to provide quality care to clients on the unit. Which of the following leadership strategies should the nurse manager implement to improve client care?

Rationale: A. This option is correct because democratic leadership encourages staff participation in decision-making, collaboration, and shared responsibility. By involving personnel in discussions about unit practices and quality improvement, the nurse manager fosters motivation, accountability, and a sense of ownership, which can lead to improved client care outcomes. B. This option is incorrect because transactional leadership focuses on rewards and punishments to achieve compliance. While it can maintain order, it may not inspire staff motivation or engagement in continuous quality improvement initiatives. C. This option is incorrect because laissez-faire leadership provides minimal guidance or direction. Staff may feel unsupported or unclear about expectations, which can negatively affect client care and unit performance. D. This option is incorrect because authoritarian leadership involves strict control and decision-making by the manager with little input from staff. While it may ensure compliance in urgent situations, it generally decreases staff motivation, creativity, and engagement, which can hinder efforts to improve quality of care.