Influencing Factors and Consequences of Workplace Bullying among Nurses: A Structural Equation Modeling

• Published in: Asian nursing research 2018, 12(1), , pp.26-33
• Main Authors: Yun, Seonyoung, Kang, Jiyeon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bullying; Corporate culture; Emotional abuse; Leadership; Nurses; Professional relationships; Structural equation modeling; Work environment; 간호학
• ISSN: 1976-1317; 2093-7482
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2018.01.004

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to build and test a model outlining the factors related to workplace bullying among nurses. The hypothesized model included authentic leadership and a relationship-oriented organizational culture as influencing factors, symptom experience and turnover intention as consequences, and positive psychological capital as a mediator of workplace bullying among nurses.MethodsWe obtained structured questionnaire data from 301 nurses working at hospitals in South Korea. Based on these data, the developed model was verified via a structural equation modeling analysis using SPSS and AMOS program.ResultsThe fit indices of the hypothesized model satisfied recommended levels; χ2 = 397.58 (p < .001), normed χ2 (χ2/df) = 1.82, RMR = .05, TLI = .93, CFI = .94, RMSEA = .05. A relationship-oriented organizational culture had a direct effect on workplace bullying (β = −.48, p < .001). Furthermore, workplace bullying had a direct effect on symptom experience (β = .36, p < .001), and this relationship was mediated by positive psychological capital (β = .15, p = .003). Workplace bullying also had an indirect effect on turnover intention (β = .20, p = .007). Finally, symptom experience had a direct effect on turnover intention (β = .31, p = .002).ConclusionThese results suggest that workplace bullying among nurses may be prevented by constructing a relationship-oriented organizational culture, as long as employees have sufficient positive psychological capital. In this regard, workplace bullying among nurses should be addressed using a comprehensive strategy that considers both individual and organizational factors.