A study of the relationships between work values, job involvement and organisational commitment among Taiwanese nurses

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between work values, job involvement and organisational commitment among Taiwanese nurses in Taiwan. The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the work values of Taiwanese nurses; (2) describe the job involvement of Taiwanese nurses; (3) describe the organisational commitment of Taiwanese nurses; (4) identify variables that affect work values, job involvement, and organisational commitment among Taiwanese nurses; and (5) identify the mediating effects of job involvement on work values and organisational commitment among Taiwanese nurses.

Design: The study utilises a cross-sectional survey design. The sample consisted of RNs (N=1,047) recruited from a convenience sample in nine regional and teaching hospitals in Taiwan.

Methods: Data was collected using a survey instrument consisting of 86 questions, including sociodemographic data, work values, job involvement, and organisational commitment. The data was analysed using descriptive bivariate analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), General Linear Model (GLM) analysis with random effect, and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings: Four sociodemographic variables, age, SES (i.e., education status, personal income, and position) were shown to be partially statistically significant to work values, job involvement and organisational commitment. Subsequent GLM analysis were shown work values were positively related to job involvement and organisational commitment, and job involvement is positively related to organisational commitment. Results of the proposed model using SEM revealed that job involvement could play an important role with mediation, and that establishing a higher level of job involvement may be more important than focusing only on organisational commitment.

Conclusions: This study has implications for organisations attempting to enhance organisational commitment through increased job involvement. It is anticipated that by improving these various factors the outcome will be reduced turnover and absenteeism and more effective organisations. A more effective organisational environment will be more conducive to good nursing practice.