Exploring Individual and Organisational Factors Related to Inclusive Leadership Among Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aim

To offer a comprehensive overview of the individual and organisational factors related to inclusive leadership among healthcare professionals.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

The review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. Findings were synthesised using meta-analysis, a random effects model and narrative synthesis.

Data Sources

In January 2025, a systematic search was conducted with no time or geographical limits in the CINAHL, MEDLINE (PubMed), Mednar, ProQuest and Scopus databases. Studies in English, Swedish and Finnish were included.

Results

A total of 34 studies were included. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between inclusive leadership and psychological safety among healthcare professionals (n = 10). The narrative synthesis further identified individual and organisational factors related to inclusive leadership. Individual factors consisted of well-being at work, performance and productivity, social behaviour, innovativeness and creativity and psychological capacity. Organisational factors revealed work community cohesion and citizenship, as well as organisational fairness and appreciation.

Conclusions

Inclusive leadership is a promising leadership behaviour, with positive outcomes for healthcare professionals and organisations. By enhancing psychological safety, inclusive leadership offers broader benefits for individuals and organisations. As such, it could improve the retention of professionals and the attractiveness of organisations in the healthcare sector.

Implications for Healthcare Management

To strengthen the functioning of healthcare organisations, leaders should be educated in inclusive leadership and its practical benefits. Training should focus on developing inclusive leadership behaviours that foster belonging, value individual uniqueness and encourage participation across all professional groups, creating an environment where both individuals and organisations can thrive.

Reporting Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to report the results.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Trial Registration

The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024503861)