The mediating role of role overload in the effect of role conflict and role ambiguity on work harassment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of role ambiguity and role conflict on workplace harassment and the intermediary role of role overload in this effect. The literature includes no research on the relationship between nurses’ workplace role ambiguity, role overload, role conflict and workplace harassment. The study used role overload as a mediating variable, which adds to the originality of the study. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional research design and surveyed 260 nurses working in a public hospital in Turkey. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods , Pearson correlation analysis and Hayes Macro regression. Result: Role ambiguity has no direct or indirect effect on workplace harassment. On the other hand, role conflict affects workplace harassment directly and indirectly through role overload. Conclusion. In line with these results reveal that nurses who are harassed in the workplace should take precautions against role conflict and increased role load. The results of the research reveal that nurses who experience workplace harassment in particular need to take precautions against increased role conflict and role overload.