Self-efficacy and organizational commitment among Spanish nurses: the role of work engagement

Aim: The objective of this study was to verify the mediating role of work engagement between self-efficacy and affective organizational commitment on the basis of the Job Demands-Resources Model in a sample of Spanish nursing staff.

Background: Affective organizational commitment is a key element, both for the permanence of nursing staff and for the provision of an excellent quality of care of health organizations. However, the relationships between self-efficacy, work engagement and affective commitment to the organization have been little explored within the nursing context.

Methods: A total of 527 nursing professionals from Spanish public hospitals in Andalusia were surveyed, obtaining a convenience sample of 324 participants (52.96% nurses, 47.04% nursing assistants). The mediating role of work engagement was examined using structural equation modelling and the bootstrapping method.

Results: The results showed that affective organizational commitment was positively predicted by self-efficacy and work engagement. Work engagement had a direct effect on affective organizational commitment, while the effect of self-efficacy on affective commitment was totally mediated by work engagement.

Conclusions: The results give empirical support to the Job Demands-Resources Model, which raises the mediating role of work engagement between self-efficacy (personal resource) and affective organizational commitment (organizational result).

Implications for nursing practice: Health organizations should be aware that a greater perception of efficacy beliefs and work engagement strengthens the affective bond with the organization, thus improving the corporate image of the health institution.

Implications for nursing policy: Policy changes are necessary to create work environments that enhance the self-efficacy of nursing staff and generate high levels of work engagement, such as flexible training plans and informal support groups.