Organizational resilience in nursing: a concept analysis using Rodgers' evolutionary approach

We sought to distinguish, clarify and define the development process, concepts, attributes, types, prerequisites and consequences of organizational resilience, ultimately with the aim of improving relevant nursing strategies.

Rodgers and Knafl's evolutionary concept was applied to the concept analysis.

Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed and Embase) were searched from 1973 to 2023 to identify relevant sources. Thematic analysis was used to form the conceptual connotation of organizational resilience.

A total of 45 articles were included for synthesis. Alternative and related terms (mentioned in the literature) that share attributes with organizational resilience include crisis management and change management. Six antecedents of organizational resilience were identified: Resource, Communication, Social Networks, Infrastructure, Organizational Structure and People. Nine attributes of organizational resilience include: robustness, redundancy, rapidity, resourcefulness, diversity, adaption, self-regulation, flexibility and recoverability. Consequences of organizational resilience were separated into three themes: organization, employee and customer.

Organizational resilience delineates a coherent set of antecedents, attributes and consequences that can guide healthcare systems in calibrating their structures, processes and resources to context-specific demands. By internationalizing these qualities, organizations can systematically pursue resilience objectives, thereby sustaining adaptive capacity under conditions of stress and change. Our conceptual analysis of organizational resilience gives a complete comprehension of this phenomenon and a rationale for instrument development, future research and intervention.

This study defines the concept, antecedents, attributes and consequences of organizational resilience. By strengthening these elements, organizations can enhance their adaptability and long-term sustainability. The findings offer evidence-based guidance that healthcare organizations can apply to build resilience and effectively respond to future challenges.