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.