The effect of social capital on job satisfaction and quality of care among hospital nurses in South Korea

AIM: To identify the level of social capital and its effect on job satisfaction and self-reported quality of care of nurses working in hospital settings in South Korea.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies on social capital and its relationship to workplace outcomes in the nursing profession internationally.

METHOD: A cross-sectional, correlational design was adopted with a convenience sample of 432 nurses from two university-affiliated teaching hospitals in South Korea.

RESULTS: Nurses' social capital was positively related to job satisfaction and self-reported quality of care. Social capital explained 50% and 24%, respectively, of the variance in job satisfaction and reported quality of care.

CONCLUSION: By improving social capital, nurses' job satisfaction could be enhanced and result in better quality of care for patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Strategies to improve social capital in nursing organisations are necessary to improve job satisfaction and the quality of care provided by nurses. Nurse managers and administrators should encourage nurse participation in organisational affairs and decision-making processes to improve social capital by developing a trusting work environment with shared values and support nurses who work with peers, superiors, and subordinates.