Workplace empowerment and organisational commitment: a correlational study in a Saudi Arabian hospital

Background/Aims Structural empowerment of employees can increase job satisfaction and performance. This study explored the relationships between workforce empowerment and measurable levels of organisational commitment among employees in a private, tertiary-level hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods A correlational cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered anonymous survey, which incorporated the Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire, the Three-Component Model Employee Commitment Survey and a sociodemographic survey created by the authors. The questionnaire was distributed through the hospital's website with the aim of reaching every medical and non-medical employee (n=1900). A total of 739 staff members completed the questionnaire. Analysis was performed to identify relationships between empowerment, commitment and sociodemographic characteristics. Results There was a significant positive correlation between empowerment and organisational commitment. Age and years of experience in the profession, hospital and country were positively correlated with both empowerment and commitment. Those who were Saudi Arabian citizens and/or of Arab ethnicity had lower levels of workforce empowerment than those of other ethnicities and nationalities. Conclusions Workplace empowerment can directly influence organisational commitment among medical and non-medical healthcare staff, which has implications for staff retention and satisfaction. Employers should target interventions at staff groups with lower levels of empowerment, such as younger and less experienced professionals.