Nurses' perception of ethical climate and job satisfaction

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Nursing Ethics
• Organizational Behavior

Background:

• High nurse turnover is a global challenge impacting healthcare.
• Nurses' perceptions of organizational ethical climate significantly influence job satisfaction.
• Limited empirical data exists on the link between ethical climate types and job satisfaction in Iran.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between nurses' perceptions of ethical climate and their job satisfaction.
• To examine specific dimensions of ethical climate (professionalism, rules, caring, independence, instrumental) in relation to job satisfaction.
• To provide evidence for improving nursing job satisfaction in Iranian teaching hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive analytical study was conducted with 275 nurses in Kerman University of Medical Sciences teaching hospitals.
• Data collected using a demographic questionnaire, Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ), and Job Satisfaction Scale (JS).
• Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation, ANOVA, T-test, and descriptive statistics using SPSS v.16.

Main Results:

• Professionalism, rules, caring, and independence ethical climates showed a positive correlation with job satisfaction (p<0.05).
• No significant correlation was found between instrumental climate and job satisfaction.
• Highest mean scores were observed for professionalism, rules, and caring climate dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Promoting professionalism, adherence to rules, a caring atmosphere, and fostering independence positively impacts nurses' job satisfaction.
• Hospital managers should implement ethics training programs to enhance teamwork and team spirit, thereby boosting job satisfaction.
• Addressing ethical climate dimensions is crucial for mitigating nurse turnover and improving retention.