Structural empowerment among nurses of an acute hospital in a collectivist culture: A confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the applicability of the Western model of structural empowerment among Chinese nurses in Hong Kong where the cultural values are dominated by collectivism. The profile of structural empowerment of Chinese nurses in Hong Kong was compared with those reported in the West.

Design: This is a cross-sectional survey research.

Materials and Methods: Participants were 556 Chinese nurses of an acute hospital in Hong Kong. Data were collected using a questionnaire which included the <i>Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire</i>, <i>Job Satisfaction Scale</i>, and <i>General Health Questionnaire-12</i>. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and regression analysis were run on the data collected.

Results: CFA performed on two random subsamples (n = 298 and 327) of the total sample consistently indicated that the value of RMR, SRMR, and RMSEA (0.6 to 0.7) and that of NFI, NNF1, CFI, and IFI (.95 to .98) supported goodness of fit between the four-factor model and the observed data. Reliability of various aspects of structural empowerment was highly satisfactory (Cronbach a = .79 to .90). Construct validity of structural empowerment was demonstrated by its significant relationships with global psychological empowerment, job satisfaction, and positive well-being. While formal and informal power facilitated access to structural empowerment, global psychological empowerment mediated the impact of structural empowerment on job satisfaction and positive well-being. The profile of structural empowerment among Chinese nurses in Hong Kong was comparable to that reported in Western countries.

Conclusion: The model of structural nursing empowerment developed in Western individualist culture is experienced and expressed similarly by Chinese nurses in Hong Kong where the culture is characterized by collectivism.