This review seeks to deliver an in-depth exploration of situational leadership theory within the context of nursing management, emphasizing its assessment tools, implementation methods, and areas where research reporting remains insufficient. A scoping review was undertaken following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Literature searches were performed across eight databases—PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, CNKI, WanFang, CQVIP, and SinoMed—and the references of selected publications were also reviewed. Studies published up to September 9, 2024, were included. Guided by the PCC framework, a structured three-phase search strategy was used to identify relevant research. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened independently by reviewers, after which the extracted data were summarized and analyzed. Nineteen studies were identified, comprising five cross-sectional, thirteen quasi-experimental, and one mixed-method investigation. Evidence shows that situational leadership theory is applied in multiple aspects of nursing management and supports the advancement of nurses’ leadership abilities and professional maturity. Nevertheless, existing studies often lack transparency and fail to follow standardized reporting criteria. Moreover, the reliability and validity of current measurement instruments require further examination. As a follower-focused leadership model, situational leadership enables managers to adjust their style according to the readiness and competence of their team members. This adaptability enhances organizational effectiveness, strengthens staff development, and promotes satisfaction. Future studies should aim to create unified intervention frameworks and improve methodological rigor and reporting practices to enhance the theory’s utility in clinical settings. The theory highlights the importance of tailoring leadership strategies to the developmental stage of nursing staff. Yet, greater conceptual clarity among situational leadership models and further exploration of corresponding measurement tools and interventions are essential. Advancing these areas could result in a more standardized and effective integration of the theory into nursing practice.
