Exploring health influences and the moderating role of authentic leadership in workplace bullying: A cross-sectional study among hospital nurses

Abstract

Aim: This study explored the relationship between workplace bullying, authentic leadership, workplace friendship and nurses’ health conditions and identified the predictors of nurses’ health. It also explored whether authentic leadership moderated the impact of workplace bullying on their health. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional and correlational design following the STROBE guidelines. The main research tools were structured questionnaires, including sociodemographic variables, Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, Workplace Friendship Questionnaire and CHQ-12. This study recruited 244 nursing staff members from a regional teaching hospital. Results: The multiple linear regression analysis showed that excessive workload, high workplace bullying, low authentic leadership and low workplace friendship were predictors of nurses’ health. Conclusion: Authentic leadership significantly moderated the impact of workplace bullying on nurses’ health based on hierarchical regression analysis. Implications for nursing management and social policy: Hospital administrators should review the perpetrators’ responsibilities and assist the victims to obtain psychological counselling, regularly hold leadership training to enhance the leadership skills of nursing managers and organise social activities for nurses to foster workplace friendships.