The influence of leadership behavior, organizational commitment, organizational support, subjective career success on organizational readiness for change in healthcare organizations

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of leadership behavior, organizational commitment, organizational support and subjective career success on organizational readiness for change in the healthcare organizations. The authors want to determine if nurses who had higher levels of organizational commitment, organizational support and subjective career success relationships were more open and prepared for change.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational survey design was conducted using self-reported questionnaires to collect data from registered nurses.

Findings

The subjective career success was the strongest predictors (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) followed by leadership behavior (β = –0.19, p = 0.03) and participants’ age (β = −0.13, p = 0.049).

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the influence of leadership behavior, organizational commitment, organizational support and subjective career success on the organizational readiness for change in healthcare organizations. Therefore, this study forms baseline data for future local and national studies. Moreover, it will strengthen the research findings if future research includes a qualitative approach that explores other healthcare professionals regarding readiness for organizational change.

Practical implications

This study provides information to policymakers and healthcare leaders who seek to improve management and leadership skills and respond to organizational change efforts.

Social implications

It is important to know the extent to which healthcare professionals, especially nurses, understand how the influence of organizational support and organizational commitment on organizational readiness for change, as well as why specific leadership behavior and subjective career success, is important in implementing the change.

Originality/value

This study examined the nurses’ readiness for change in hospitals. Organizational readiness for change could occur in situations where nurses can exert extra efforts at work because of leaders’ behaviors and the relationship between nurses and the institution.

Citation

Al-Hussami, M., Hammad, S. and Alsoleihat, F. (2018), "The influence of leadership behavior, organizational commitment, organizational support, subjective career success on organizational readiness for change in healthcare organizations", Leadership in Health Services, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 354-370. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHS-06-2017-0031