Work empowerment, organizational trust as predictors of nurse job satisfaction and organizational commitment

The organizational structure and characteristics of a hospital are influential in nurse job satisfaction. Perceived autonomy and empowerment are characteristics related to job satisfaction among nurses. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among nurse autonomy, empowerment, and job satisfaction of staff nurses. Kanter's Theory of Organizational Empowerment (1993) is the theoretical framework. Staff nurses (600) employed in western Ohio hospital systems will be invited to participate. The Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire (CWEQ) will measure autonomy and empowerment. The interpersonal Trust at Work Scale will measure faith and intentions of and confidence in actions of peers and managers. The Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) will measure affective and continuance organizational commitment. Hackman and Oldham's Job Diagnostic Survey will measure job satisfaction. The findings will provide information for nurse administrators regarding autonomy and empowerment among staff nurses.