Concepts of Kanter's Theory of Structural Power - Research Paper Example

The independent variable in the study is nurses' empowerment and the dependent variable is patient satisfaction. These variables are both clearly defined. The review of the literature is clear and relevant. The authors review Laschinger’s concept of empowerment as well as Chandler’s Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire and explain how they relate to the current study and research methods. Both of these studies have a clear relation to the current study, and a logical explanation for this is given.

Design- A descriptive correlational design is used. Correlation between two variables: empowerment and patient satisfaction is measured using surveys.
The sample size used is adequate but is only taken from a single population. The results may not be indicative of the general population, because the sample is from only one community. The results only include nurses who chose to respond to the questionnaire, so the method itself introduces bias. The instruments used were defined by the authors as follows: Nurse empowerment was measured using the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire II (CWEQ-II). The CWEQ-II is a shortened version of the CWEQ, which was adapted by Chandler in 1986 for use in nursing populations. The CWEQ-II consists of 19 items that measure the six components of empowerment described by Kanter (pg. 3). The instruments used to measure patient satisfaction were developed in 1987 by Press Ganey Associates.

The rights of study participants were clearly addressed in the article. The study involved only minimal risk to participants. They did not involve procedures that require written consent, and approvals from the review board were obtained. Data collection techniques were clearly described. All data was collected at one point in time. The setting is described. The questionnaires were attached to the nurse's paychecks. Surveys missing more than 10% of data were excluded. Bias was minimized by obtaining demographic data for nurses using descriptive statistics. 

Data were presented for the hypothesis, by using a table and outlining results for each measure used in the study. The tables were clear and followed a logical path. A thorough descriptive analysis of the data is given in the results section. Several methods of data analysis were used. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used to examine the strength of the relationship between nurse empowerment and patient satisfaction, and multiple-regression analysis was used to explore the predictive ability of nurse-related factors on empowerment (pg. 4). Correlation analysis was used to describe the strength of the relationship between nurses' perceptions of empowerment and patient satisfaction (pg. 5).

Significant relationships were found between nurses' perceptions of empowerment and access to information, opportunity, support, and resources. A significant positive correlation was found between nurses' perceptions of empowerment and patient satisfaction. An entire section is devoted to the limitations of the study. Most of the limitations discussed have to do with demographic bias. The author also devotes an entire section to implications for the nursing profession. Strategies could be implemented to promote nurse empowerment. More opportunities and responsibilities could be given to nurses. More opportunities for professional development and advancement could be given. More research could be devoted to exploring the relationship between empowerment and patient satisfaction. Read More