The effects of organizational silence on work engagement, intention to leave and job performance levels of nurses.

Abstract

Reducing the level of organizational silence can play an important role in the work-related decisions of nurses. However, to date a comprehensive study investigating the effect of organizational silence on work engagement, intention to leave, and job performance levels of nurses has yet to be conducted. This study aimed to explain the effect of organizational silence on work engagement, intention to leave, and job performance of nurses. The sample of the study consisted of 224 nurses. The Organizational Silence Scale, the Job Performance Scale, the Intention to Leave Scale, and the Work Engagement Scale were used to collect data in this study and the Pearson correlation test and regression tests were used in the data analysis. It was observed that organizational silence was negatively correlated with job performance (r = -0.455) and work engagement (r = -0.242), and positively correlated with intention to leave (r = 0.440) (p < 0.01). Regression analysis also illustrated that dimensions of organizational silence have a significant effect on job performance, intention to leave, and work engagement. A decrease in the organizational silence level of nurses is effective in decreasing intention to leave and increasing work engagement and job performance levels. Nurses should be able to express their opinions clearly towards other healthcare professionals and management and management should provide this working environment for nurses. To increase work engagement and job performance levels and decrease intention to leave, meetings and educational programs that reduce organizational silence might be developed at an organizational level by management.