The effect of oppressed group behaviours on the culture of the nursing workplace: a review of the evidence and interventions for change

AIM: The aim of the present study was to review the current literature on oppressed group behaviours in nursing, with emphasis on interventions to change the behaviours, and on instruments that have been developed to measure it. BACKGROUND: Oppressed group behaviours have been described in nurses for over two decades and their presence has been related to decreased nurse self-advocacy, and other negative aspects of the nursing workplace. EVALUATION: Systematic review of the literature on oppressed group behaviour in nursing. KEY ISSUES: Oppressed group behaviours are frequently found in nurses. Interventions have been created and tested to decrease oppressed group behaviours. CONCLUSION: Oppressed group behaviours are frequently found in nurses. Interventions exist that can decrease oppressed group behaviours and the decrease is related to increased work force performance, satisfaction and retention of nurses in the workplace. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSE MANAGERS: Nurse Managers can improve the workplace by measuring oppressed group behaviours and utilizing interventions to break the cycle of oppression in the workplace culture. Utilizing these innovations improve the workplace culture for nursing.