The effect of work motivation on a sample of nurses in an Italian healthcare setting.
BACKGROUND
Research in Human Resources Management has highlighted that implementing strategies for increasing employees' motivation can be an advantage for organizations because this improves their performance.


OBJECTIVE
Self Determination Theory (SDT) was used to analyze the mediating role of autonomous vs. controlled motivation on the relationship between organizational factors (perceived organizational support and job autonomy) and work outcomes (affective commitment, job satisfaction, and intent to quit).


METHODS
A total of 304 nurses from an Italian hospital participated in the study.


RESULTS
The results supported the importance of the mediating role of autonomous motivation on the relationship between both perceived organizational support (POS) and job autonomy, and work outcomes. Conversely, controlled motivation did not show mediating effects on that relationship. POS was directly related to affective commitment and job satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Practical implications for organizations and employees are discussed along with a call for further research in this area.
Maura
M
Galletta
Igor
I
Portoghese
Sergio
S
Pili
Maria Francesca
MF
Piazza
Marcello
M
Campagna
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007558:Italy; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010558:Personnel Loyalty; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Organizational commitment; intent to quit; job satisfaction; self-determination theory