Effects of Organizational Cynicism and Socialization on Nurses’ Job Burnout: A Career-Stage-Based Analysis

Abstract

This study examined the influence of organizational cynicism and socialization on job burnout among nurses at different career stages, aiming to provide foundational data for efficient workforce management. Data were collected from 271 clinical nurses at H University Hospital September 10–25, 2023. Participants completed a survey consisting of 70 questions covering general characteristics, job burnout, organizational cynicism, and organizational socialization. We conducted analyses using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analyses of variance, and correlation and hierarchical regression. Job burnout varied significantly based on gender, while organizational cynicism and socialization showed significant differences according to age and career status. Organizational cynicism was higher among nurses with 13–25 years of experience compared with those with four months to one year of experience. Organizational socialization scores were highest among nurses with 4 months to 1 year of experience. Moreover, job burnout and organizational cynicism were positively correlated, while job burnout and organizational socialization were negatively correlated. Organizational cynicism and socialization were also negatively correlated. Importantly, organizational socialization was identified as a key factor explaining job burnout. We confirmed that job burnout is correlated with organizational cynicism and socialization, indicating an interdependent relationship. For efficient workforce management, programs should be implemented that help reduce or prevent job burnout, build trust, and foster a positive, supportive organizational culture. This underscores the importance of continuous organizational socialization programs for new nurses and resocialization programs for experienced ones.