Decision-making Styles and Job Security among Nurses Working at Public Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Multicentre Study

Abstract

Introduction: Decision-making and job security have been linked to increased motivation and productivity in nursing. However, research on these variables in the Saudi context is limited. Aim: To examine the association between decision-making styles and job security among nurses working at public hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, multicentre study was conducted on a convenience sample of 295 nurses working at four public hospitals in Saudi Arabia from March to June of 2021. Data were collected through an online self-administered survey. The Nurse decision-making instrument was used to measure decision-making style. Job security scale was utilised to measure job security among nurses. An independent sample t-test, Pearson’s coefficient correlation, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Nurses reported intuitive decision-making (Mean=87.85, SD=21.08) and a moderate level in job security (Mean=20.93, SD=7.48). A significant difference was found between average income level and job security (p-value<0.05). Decision-making style was also significantly and positively associated with job security (r=0.450, p<0.05). In a multivariate analysis, income level (β=0.182, p<0.05) and decision-making style (β=0.436, p<0.05) were predictors of job security. Conclusion: Decision making style was found associated with job security. Improved patient care outcomes require excellent nurse decision-making.