From Incivility to Turnover Intentions among Nurses: A Multifoci and Self-Determination Perspective

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Organizational Psychology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Workplace incivility is a significant issue in nursing.
• Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind nurse turnover is crucial for retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between incivility from multiple sources and nurse turnover intentions.
• To explore the mediating role of basic psychological needs (autonomy, belongingness, competence) using self-determination theory.
• To examine the differential relationships between incivility from various sources and specific psychological needs.

Main Methods:

• A three-wave, time-lagged survey design was employed with New Zealand nurses.
• Data were collected on workplace incivility, psychological needs, and turnover intentions over three time points.
• Statistical analyses were used to examine direct and indirect relationships.

Main Results:

• Supervisor incivility directly predicted turnover intentions.
• The need for autonomy significantly mediated the relationship between incivility from doctors, supervisors, and fellow nurses, and turnover intentions.
• Incivility from doctors was linked to the autonomy need, while incivility from fellow nurses and supervisors related to both autonomy and belongingness needs.

Conclusions:

• The need for autonomy is a critical psychological factor in the relationship between workplace incivility and nurse turnover.
• Addressing incivility from various sources, particularly doctors and supervisors, is essential for enhancing nurse retention.
• Self-determination theory provides a valuable framework for understanding the impact of workplace incivility on nurses.