The effect of structural empowerment and organizational commitment on Chinese nurses' job satisfaction

The purposes of this study were (1) to examine the level of structural empowerment, organizational commitment and job satisfaction in Chinese nurses; and (2) to investigate the relationships among the three variables.

A high turnover rate was identified in Chinese staff nurses, and it was highly correlated with lower job satisfaction. Structural empowerment and organizational commitment have been positively related to job satisfaction in western countries.

A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and multiple step-wise regression to test the hypothesized model.

Moderate levels of the three variables were found in this study. Both empowerment and commitment were found to be significantly associated with job satisfaction (r=0.722, r=0.693, p<0.01, respectively). The variables of work objectives, resources, support and informal power, normative and ideal commitment were significant predictors of job satisfaction.

Support for an expanded model of Kanter's structural empowerment was achieved in this study.