Asian Nurs Res.  2014 Mar;8(1):42-48.

Path Analysis of Empowerment and Work Effectiveness among Staff Nurses

• Eo YS
• Kim YH
• Lee NY

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to test a predictive model that could predict and explain work effectiveness among staff nurses at local hospitals.
METHODS
Between April 1 and May 15, 2009, 340 nurses were recruited from two hospitals (one in Ulsan and one in Yangsan). Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling.
RESULTS
A modified model was retained, as the final path model showed a very good fit with the data. Job characteristics and compensation justice were found to have direct and positive effects on empowerment. Job characteristics, transformational leadership, and empowerment were found to directly and positively affect work effectiveness. In addition, job characteristics were found to have a greater effect on empowerment and work effectiveness than other factors do.
CONCLUSION
This structural equation model was used to test the relationships between these factors and work effectiveness. Empowerment mediated the relationship between job characteristics, transformational leadership, and work effectiveness. Findings from this study can be used to design the strategies for increasing work effectiveness in Korean nurses.

Keyword

efficiency; leadership; nursing; power (psychology); social justice

MeSH Terms

Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
*Leadership
*Models, Theoretical
Nurses/*psychology
Nursing Staff, Hospital/*psychology
*Power (Psychology)
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea
Young Adult