A study on the relationship between nurses' compulsory citizenship behaviours and job stress

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether there is a relationship between compulsory citizenship behaviours and job stress among nurses working at public hospitals.

Background: Nurses may face strong pressure from their managers or peers to perform role behaviours beyond what is found in their job definition. When mandated, these extra duties are called compulsory citizenship behaviours.

Method: This descriptive study included 569 nurses who work in three hospitals. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical analyses, linearity test, Pearson's correlation analysis, simple linear regression analysis and parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results: There was a significant, strong and positive relationship between the nurses' job stress and compulsory citizenship behaviours. Statistically significant differences were found between the nurses' job stress scores according to the institution and unit they worked in and their professional experience duration.

Conclusion: This study found that nurses display compulsory citizenship behaviours and experience job stress at a high level. A significant relationship was found between these two variables.

Implications for nursing management: Special training programmes should be held informing managers and nurses about the negative outcomes of compulsory citizenship behaviours and positive outcomes of organisational citizenship behaviours. Appropriate opportunities and resources should be provided to cope with stress in hospital settings.

Keywords: behaviour; hospital administration; job stress; nursing staff; personnel administration.