The Relationship of Structural Empowerment and Organizational Commitment Among Staff Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Correlational Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

This study aimed to examine and compare the relationship between structural empowerment and organizational commitment in Saudi and non-Saudi registered nurses working in Saudi Arabia. The factors that predict organizational commitment among the two study population were also studied. Methods: Using a descriptive comparative correlational cross-sectional research design, the study was carried out in three governmental hospitals in the Eastern Province-Saudi Arabia. A convenience sample of (N = 398) inpatient Saudi and non-Saudi nurses were included in this study. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and one-way ANOVA.Findings: Statistically significant positive partial correlations were found between structural empowerment and organizational commitment. Non-Saudi nurses perceived higher levels of structural empowerment and commitment compared to Saudis. Implications for Theory, Practice, and Policy: Through the application of Kanter's (1977,1993) and Spreitzer's (1995 conceptual models, this study provided imperative and currently unavailable data that should be the foundation for future studies in the Saudi context and worldwide. Findings of this study provide evidence for the nursing authority figures to understand the relationships between empowerment and organizational commitment among nurses working in Saudi Arabia and facilitate the necessary changes to improve the current working conditions and nurses' retention.