Adapting A 360-Degree Performance Appraisal Tool for Nursing Leaders at SQCCCRC: Recommendation for Integration to EJADA Performance System

Abstract

Effective leadership appraisal is essential for strengthening nursing leadership and supporting organizational performance in healthcare settings. Traditional performance evaluation systems often emphasize hierarchical assessment and operational outcomes, with limited focus on observable leadership behaviours. At the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre (SQCCCRC), the existing organizational appraisal system (EJADA) primarily relies on supervisor-based evaluation and may not fully capture the multidimensional nature of nursing leadership. This project aimed to adapt a structured 360-degree leadership appraisal tool tailored to nursing leadership roles. The Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) framework was adopted as the conceptual foundation due to its focus on observable leadership behaviours, including Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. A modified Delphi methodology was employed to achieve expert consensus on the contextual adaptation of the leadership appraisal tool. The project was conducted in three phases. Phase one involved expert panel discussions to examine limitations of the existing appraisal system and review available leadership assessment frameworks. Phase two consisted of a structured questionnaire in which panellists evaluated the relevance and clarity of leadership indicators derived from the LPI framework. Phase three confirmed consensus on the revised appraisal tool. Agreement levels among panellists ranged from 82% to 100%, demonstrating strong consensus regarding the relevance of the leadership practices for evaluating nursing leadership behaviours. Qualitative content analysis of panel feedback further supported the importance of behaviour-based leadership evaluation and the incorporation of multi-source feedback. The findings supported the adaptation of LPI-based 360-degree leadership appraisal framework that complements the existing EJADA performance management system. Implementing this approach may enhance leadership development, strengthen leadership evaluation practices, and support continuous improvement in nursing leadership within the organization.