The relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the findings of a systematic review examining the relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for registered nurses (RNs).


BACKGROUND
Workplace empowerment research reveals a link between empowerment and positive work behaviours and attitudes. Research demonstrating the essential relationship between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment will provide direction for future interventions aimed at the development of a strong and effective health care sector.


METHODS
Published research articles examining structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for nurses were selected from computerized databases and selected websites. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were completed for the included research articles.


RESULTS
Ten papers representing six studies reveal significant associations between structural empowerment and psychological empowerment for RNs.


CONCLUSIONS
Creation of an environment that provides structural empowerment is an important organizational strategy that contributes to RNs' psychological empowerment and ultimately leads to positive work behaviours and attitudes. Critical structural components of an empowered workplace can contribute to a healthy, productive and innovative RN workforce with increased job satisfaction and retention.
Wagner
Joan I J
JI
Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, T6G 2G4 Alberta, Canada. jijwagner@shaw.ca
Cummings
Greta
G
Smith
Donna L
DL
Olson
Joanne
J
Anderson
Lynn
L
Warren
Sharon
S
D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario; D015279:Organizational Culture; D010559:Personnel Management; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017009:Professional Autonomy; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace