The relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction in nursing

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction among nurses in Turkey. Background: Nursing is one of the professions in which emotional labour is heavily used. The relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction has many different consequences in nursing. Introduction: Although studies have focused on the relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction among nurses abroad, no studies on the subject have been found in Turkey. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. The study was conducted with 281 nurses working in a university hospital and three public hospitals in Manisa, Turkey. Research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Emotional Labour Scale and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used in data evaluation. Results: Analyses showed that the type of emotional labour strategy most frequently exhibited by nurses was surface acting. In surface acting, behaviours do not reflect employees’ true feelings. Job satisfaction of nurses was higher than the medium level. A negative correlation was found between deep acting and job satisfaction. In deep acting, employees try to feel the emotions appropriate to the behaviour expected of them. Discussion: Nurses’ emotional labour may cause some undesirable consequences. Conclusion: Nurses’ emotional labour strategies are related to their job satisfaction levels. Implications for nursing policy: Managers should be aware of the emotional labour of nurses and its possible negative consequences. Management strategies that target the negative consequences of emotional labour are important not only for the well-being of nurses but also for the quality of patient care. © 2019 International Council of Nurses