ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of perceived insider status and organisational identification between authentic leadership and job embeddedness among Chinese nurses. Background Previous studies have explored the influence of authentic leadership on job embeddedness in the nursing profession. However, the chain‐mediating effect of perceived insider status and organisational identification between authentic leadership and job embeddedness has not been clarified among nurses. Design A cross‐sectional study. Methods A structural equation model was utilised to examine the proposed hypothesis regarding job embeddedness in Chinese clinical nurses and to investigate potential mediating factors influencing nurses' job embeddedness. Results There were positive correlations among authentic leadership, perceived insider status, organisational identification, and job embeddedness. Moreover, authentic leadership exerted a noteworthy influence on job embeddedness through three significant indirect pathways: the separate mediating effect of perceived insider status and organisational identification, and the chain mediating effect of perceived insider status and organisational identification. Conclusion Nursing managers aiming to enhance nurses' job embeddedness. Recognising the crucial role of perceived insider status and organisational identification as mediators between authentic leadership and job embeddedness, our findings suggest actionable strategies. Elevating authentic leadership creates a supportive environment, positively impacting nurses' commitment and reducing turnover. Patient or Public Contribution We would like to thank the clinical nurses from three hospitals in Wuhan who participated in the study and the hospital managers who supported this study. This study distributed survey links in the WeChat groups of three hospitals, and collected research data under the principle of ensuring anonymity and informed consent.
Duan et al. (Sun,) studied this question.