Investigating the correlation between job characteristics from the perspective of nurses and their innovative behaviors

In order to provide quality and effective care, the treatment system needs to develop and strengthen innovation in nurses. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between job characteristics and innovative behaviors in nurses working in hospitals.

The current cross-sectional study was done on all nurses working in selected hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 1997. The sample size was 317 people. Three questionnaires, including Hockman and Oldham job characteristics, counter innovative behaviors and demographic information questionnaire were used to collect data. The data was analyzed using statistical tests and SPSS version 21 software.

In summary, the mean job characteristics in the five fields investigated in nurses were very good. The characteristics of skill diversity (6.94 ± 2.53) and independence and freedom of action (7.08 ± 2.43) were within a good range. The job nature (9.56 ± 2.51), job importance (10.83 ± 2.51), and feedback of the results (11.01 ± 2.62) were also very good. The study also found a significant correlation between job characteristics and innovative behaviors in the studied nurses. Skill variety, job nature, job importance, independence and freedom of action, and feedback had a significant correlation with innovative behaviors at the rates of 0.407, 0.451, 0.602, 0.437, 0.568, and 0.895, respectively

The improvement of job characteristics provides a suitable platform for the growth and development of innovative behaviors in nurses.