Perceptions of empowerment and respect: effect on nurses' organizational commitment in nursing homes

This study tested Kanter's theory of structural empowerment in a sample of nurses employed in nursing homes throughout Ontario by examining relationships between nurses' perceptions of structural and psychological empowerment, respect, and organizational commitment. A random sample of 79 RNs (response rate 64%) and 75 RPNs (response rate 60%) were used. Both groups reported moderate levels of empowerment, respect, and commitment. RNs perceived higher levels of empowerment and respect than RPNs. Access to opportunity was the most empowering factor for nurses in this study, and access to resources the least empowering. Structural empowerment, psychological empowerment, and respect explained 48% of the variance in affective commitment for RNs and 40% for RPNs. Results of this study provide support for the use of Kanter's theory in LTC nurse populations