Measuring the Nursing Work Environment: Can a Social Capital Framework Add Value?

Abstract

Background: A suite of robust instruments are required to investigate the range of contextual and social dimensions in the nursing workforce that contribute to desired outcomes such as resilient work environments, high retention rates, and provision of quality health care. However current instruments do not adequately measure the formal and informal social relationships between nurses and others on the team. This gap is problematic because social relationships can influence how well nurses work together to achieve the desired outcomes. To this end, instruments from other disciplines could be adapted to investigate social dimensions.Purpose: To examine how a social capital framework could measure social relationships in nursing work environments and inform policy and managerial initiatives to reduce turnover and improve quality.Method: Eight contemporary instruments that assess social dimensions and sub-scales in nursing work environments were reviewed. An instrument that measures social dimensions known as social capital (networks, norms, outcomes) was also reviewed for adaptation in nursing. Findings:The eight contemporary instruments do not adequately measure the nature of social relationships (networks, norms, outcomes) between nurses. A social capital instrument developed by social researchers and economists could be adapted to add value and understanding of social relationship issues. Policy Implications and Conclusions:It is timely to develop robust qualitative and quantitative instruments that will permit the examination of social capital in nursing populations globally, and identify mechanisms to achieve desired outcomes, such as job satisfaction, retention, and quality health care.

Mediating Effect of Social Capital between Transformational Leadership Behavior and Organizational Citizenship Behavior in Hospital Nurses

“…According to the results of this study, social capital scores were highest for the internal trust and solidarity subscale and lowest for social cohesion with coworkers. Sheigngold and colleagues [2] found that elements of social capital, such as trust and participation in civic activities, were positively related to organizational performance. According to Cavanagh and colleagues [23], social capital, as the sum of the internal and external trust derived from the network of relationships possessed by a social unit, had a strong effect on nurses' OCB.…”

“…This finding is also in line with a study indicating that nurse managers must try to enhance nurses' social capital, which is accessed via the organization's culture based on shared values, beliefs, and trust. Recently, as concern about organizational change though social capital has increased, health-care services emphasizing individual social responsibility are also gaining importance [2]. The main factor affecting the OCB of hospital nurses is their attitudes toward the organization, and these attitudes can be affected by social capital [25].…”

“…The main factor affecting the OCB of hospital nurses is their attitudes toward the organization, and these attitudes can be affected by social capital [25]. Social capital refers to the actual and potential resources that can be obtained through social relationships within a particular organization's social structure [2]. The findings of this study highlight the importance of social capital that provides opportunities for active participation in organizational affairs and empowers nurses to accomplish their nursing work.…”

“…Currently, some cooperative behaviors have emerged among co-workers in hospital organizations and these behaviors have gradually gained much more importance. The organization members perform these behaviors during their fulfillment of organizational roles in order to improve healthy work environments [2]. Organization citizenship behavior (OCB) is one type of extra role behaviors, which increases tendencies towards helping and sharing information, promoting a feeling of conscience, tolerance, and praising the institution [3].…”

“…Social capital refers to the social complexities that are reciprocally connected within specific social structures marked by trust, networks, and norms [15]. It promotes work motivation by increasing the sense of unity in an organization and improves the organization's efficiency by promoting cooperation between individuals and groups [2]. If effectively established, an infrastructure that helps members actively interact can be developed, creating a driving force for building intellectual capital.…”