Does Organizational Compassion Matter? A Cross-sectional Survey of Nurses.

Abstract

To examine factors that influence nurses' perceptions of organizational compassion and their engagement with the organization. Despite agreement about the importance of compassionate healthcare, it is difficult for employees to consistently act compassionately when organizational leaders, managers, and systems of care fail to support compassion as a value. The study used a cross-sectional design, and quantitative and qualitative data were collected through an online survey of nurses. Higher individual compassion and team compassion were associated with higher perceived organizational compassion, and higher organizational compassion was associated with greater engagement with the hospital. In contrast, high turnover rates and inadequate staffing were associated with lower perceived organizational compassion and lower engagement with one's organization. Adequate staffing, resource allocation, and practices that contribute to the sense that one is a supported member of a caring team focused on addressing patients' needs build the capacity for compassion within an organization.