Effects of workplace cyberbullying on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of workplace cyberbullying on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention. Background While face‐to‐face workplace bullying occurs frequently in nursing organisations, workplace cyberbullying has rarely been studied. Method This is a cross‐sectional descriptive study using self‐reporting surveys of 249 nurses from 20 hospitals. Results The prevalence of workplace cyberbullying was 8%, and the mean was 1.11 ± 0.31. Factors influencing symptom experience were workplace cyberbullying and perceived organisational support, while factors influencing turnover intention were workplace cyberbullying, perceived organisational support and educational level. Conclusions Workplace cyberbullying and perceived organisational support are factors that significantly influenced both symptom experience and turnover intention in nurses working in hospital settings. Managing workplace cyberbullying can reduce the negative effects on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention. This suggests that the management of workplace cyberbullying by a nursing organisation is essential. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing managers need to focus on the control and prevention of workplace cyberbullying as well as traditional forms of bullying. Managing workplace cyberbullying can reduce negative effects on nurses' symptom experience. Interest in and prevention of workplace cyberbullying would decrease turnover intention and stabilize the nursing organisation and the workforce.

Responding to disruptive behaviors in nursing: One-year follow-up of quasi-experimental research measuring links to turnover, intent to leave, and patient care quality

“…Turnover intention is a typical variable measured in tandem with other cross-sectional data on disruptive behaviors and work environment. [42][43][44] Turnover intention may be linked to actual rates though causality cannot be established. In this study, intent to stay was very high with 80% planning to remain in their position.…”

Workplace cyberbullying exposed: A concept analysis

“…The three themes D'Souza et al identified as cyberbullying behaviors as (1) cyber‐specific features that amplify harm, (2) the role of context, and (3) work environment factors, which facilitate cyberbullying behaviors 11 . A cross‐sectional study using survey methods by Park and Choi 26 found that workplace cyberbullying was prevalent among 8% of Korean nurses respondents. Workplace cyberbullying was significantly correlated with perceived organizational support, turnover intention, and symptom experience 26 .…”

“…A cross‐sectional study using survey methods by Park and Choi 26 found that workplace cyberbullying was prevalent among 8% of Korean nurses respondents. Workplace cyberbullying was significantly correlated with perceived organizational support, turnover intention, and symptom experience 26 . In another study by Choi and Park, 27 the state of face‐to‐face bullying or cyberbullying in a Korean hospital were explored as they related to workplace culture.…”

“…Workplace cyberbullying has similar features to other forms of workplace aggression such as bullying and harassment 9,24,26 . The act of negative and unwanted intimidation or aggression targeting an employee is a form of bullying.…”

“…Individual consequences include reduced physical and mental well‐being, reduced job satisfaction, 26,30,47 increased perceived stress, and decreased performance 38 . Increased turnover intent was noted in a review of nursing literature 26 . Since cyberbullying can be experienced beyond the workplace, family members and relationships are affected.…”