Perceived organisational support and employee retention: the mediating role of psychological empowerment among nursing staff in the Vhembe District Municipality

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the relationship between perceived organisational support and employee retention of nursing staff at two public hospitals in the Vhembe District Municipality. The study further examined whether psychological empowerment mediates the relationship between employee perceived organisational support and nurses’ retention. A quantitative research approach was considered to be the best approach for this study. Stratified sampling was utilised to select the sample from which to collect data. Also, self-administered questionnaires were utilised. The questionnaires were used to get biographical information of the nursing staff and details on psychological empowerment, perceived organisational support and nurses’ retention. To test the relationship between perceived organisational support, employee retention and psychological empowerment, Pearson correlations analysis was carried out. Multiple regression analysis was also carried out to test the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the relationship between perceived organisational support and employee retention. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 was utilised to analyse the data collected and the findings are presented herein. The limitations of the study, the implications of the study findings and the recommendations for the health sector, as well as suggestions for future research were also presented.