Effects of workplace cyberbullying on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention

Abstract

Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of workplace cyberbullying on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention. Background While face-to-face workplace bullying occurs frequently in nursing organisations, workplace cyberbullying has rarely been studied. Method This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using self-reporting surveys of 249 nurses from 20 hospitals. Results The prevalence of workplace cyberbullying was 8%, and the mean was 1.11 +/- 0.31. Factors influencing symptom experience were workplace cyberbullying and perceived organisational support, while factors influencing turnover intention were workplace cyberbullying, perceived organisational support and educational level. Conclusions Workplace cyberbullying and perceived organisational support are factors that significantly influenced both symptom experience and turnover intention in nurses working in hospital settings. Managing workplace cyberbullying can reduce the negative effects on nurses' symptom experience and turnover intention. This suggests that the management of workplace cyberbullying by a nursing organisation is essential. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing managers need to focus on the control and prevention of workplace cyberbullying as well as traditional forms of bullying. Managing workplace cyberbullying can reduce negative effects on nurses' symptom experience. Interest in and prevention of workplace cyberbullying would decrease turnover intention and stabilize the nursing organisation and the workforce.