Predicting nurses' occupational commitment and turnover intention: The role of autonomous motivation and supervisor and coworker behaviours
Claude Fernet, Nicolas Gillet, Stéphanie Austin, Sarah‐Geneviève Trépanier, Sophie Drouin‐Rousseau
Abstract
AIM: To examine whether supportive supervisor (transformational leadership) and coworker (autonomy-supportive) behaviours predict occupational commitment and turnover intention over time through autonomous motivation. BACKGROUND: Nurse turnover is a serious issue in several countries, straining the efficiency of the healthcare system and compromising both the quality and accessibility of healthcare. METHOD: Longitudinal data were collected over 12 months from 387 French-Canadian registered nurses. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. RESULTS: The relationships between predictors at Time 1 (supervisor and coworker behaviours) and occupational commitment and turnover intention at Time 2 are mediated by autonomous motivation at Time 1. CONCLUSION: In times of global scarcity, the present findings provide insights into how the healthcare work environment acts on nurses' occupational turnover and commitment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Healthcare organizations are advised to foster supportive work environments and promote autonomous motivation to sustain the nursing workforce.