title: Path analysis of empowerment and work effectiveness among staff nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to test a predictive model that could predict and explain work effectiveness among staff nurses at local hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 1 and May 15, 2009, 340 nurses were recruited from two hospitals (one in Ulsan and one in Yangsan). Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using structural equation modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A modified model was retained, as the final path model showed a very good fit with the data. Job characteristics and compensation justice were found to have direct and positive effects on empowerment. Job characteristics, transformational leadership, and empowerment were found to directly and positively affect work effectiveness. In addition, job characteristics were found to have a greater effect on empowerment and work effectiveness than other factors do.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This structural equation model was used to test the relationships between these factors and work effectiveness. Empowerment mediated the relationship between job characteristics, transformational leadership, and work effectiveness. Findings from this study can be used to design the strategies for increasing work effectiveness in Korean nurses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Dongeui University, Busan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yong-Sook
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Eo
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Hae
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Silla University, Busan, South Korea. Electronic address: naeyoungle@silla.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Nae-Young
authors.initials: NY
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D011209:Power, Psychological; D056910:Republic of Korea; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: efficiency; leadership; nursing; power (psychology); social justice