The relationship between leader-member exchange and intention to stay in Korean nurses: Focusing on the mediating role of compassion satisfaction

Abstract

Background & Aim: Recently, there has been a growing interest in the nursing shortage. Although the number of nursing school has been increased and refreshment programs for inactive nurses have been run, the lack of nurses is still a common problem in Korea. Considering the importance of nurses' role in hospitals, it is important to investigate how to reduce turnover rates. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of compassion satisfaction on the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and intention to stay in Korea.

Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected from 131 nurses from three university hospitals in South Korea. A demographic data form, LMX-7 scale, compassion satisfaction of the professional quality of life scale, and the nurses’ retention index were used to collect data.

Results: Our results indicate that LMX has a positive effect on compassion satisfaction and intention to stay and compassion satisfaction has a positive effect on the intention to stay. In addition, compassion satisfaction was found to mediate the impact of LMX on the intention to stay.

Conclusion: The present study is significant in that it confirms the relationship between LMX and intention to stay and the mediating role of compassion satisfaction. The nursing managers should pay attention to find ways to improve LMX and compassion satisfaction in hospitals in order to increase nurses’ intention to stay.