J Korean Acad Nurs. 2008 Aug;38(4):603-611. Korean.
Published online Aug 31, 2008.
Copyright © 2008 Korean Society of Nursing Science
Original Article

The Mediator Effect of Empowerment in Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment

Yun-Mi Lee,1 and Bok-Mi Kim2
    • 1Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Research Institute of Geriatric Health, Inje University, Busan, Korea.
    • 2Head Nurse, Inje University Pusan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea.
Received February 22, 2008; Accepted July 29, 2008.

Abstract

Purpose

This study was to determine the mediator or moderator role of empowerment in the relationship between the head nurse's transformational leadership and organizational commitment as perceived by staff nurses.

Methods

Data was collected from 451 nurses in a tertiary hospital located in B city by means of structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and hierarchial multiple regression using the SPSS program.

Results

Empowerment showed mediating effects between the head nurse's transformational leadership and organizational commitment as perceived by staff nurses. However, empowerment did not show moderating effects.

Conclusion

Nurses' perception of empowerment, the head nurse's transformational leadership and organizational commitment have a strong relationship. This finding suggests the importance of empowering nurses to increase organizational commitment.

Keywords
Leadership; Empowerment; Personnel loyalty

Figures

Figure 1
Conceptual framework (moderating effect).

Figure 2
Conceptual framework (mediating effect).

Figure 3
Mediating effect of empowerment in the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational commitment.

Tables

Table 1
General Characteristics of Subjects (N=451)

Table 2
Descriptive Statistics of Study Variables (N=451)

Table 3
Correlations among Study Variables (N=451)

Table 4
Moderating Effect of Empowerment on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment

Table 5
Mediating Effect of Empowerment on the Relationship between Transformational Leadership and Organizational Commitment

Notes

This work was supported by 2006 Inje University Research Grant.

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