Psychological Climates as a Predictor of Commitment among Employees in the Healthcare System

Abstract

Organizational commitment is vital for employee retention, job performance, and workplace stability. In the healthcare sector, where employees face high stress, understanding factors that enhance commitment is essential.  This study investigated the influence of psychological climate on organizational commitment among health workers in Ibadan, Nigeria. 397 participants who are healthcare workers were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires comprising socio-demographic variables, the Organizational Commitment (OC) Scale and the Psychological Climate Scale. Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 64 years, with a mean age of 41.58 years (SD = 9.90). The hypothesis was tested using an independent samples t-test at a 0.05 level of significance. In all four hypotheses were tested. The results showed significant differences in organizational commitment across all three dimensions. Healthcare workers with a more positive psychological climate reported higher affective commitment (t(395) = -7.926, p < 0.01), continuance commitment (t(395) = -6.503, p < 0.01), and normative commitment (t(395) = -8.781, p < 0.01). Overall, those with a positive psychological climate demonstrated greater organizational commitment (t(395) = -3.365, p < 0.01) than those with a less favorable climate. These findings revealed the importance of fostering a supportive psychological climate in healthcare settings to enhance employees' emotional attachment, sense of obligation, and commitment to the organization. Healthcare administrators should prioritize initiatives that improve workplace conditions, promote open communication, and provide recognition to cultivate a positive psychological climate and strengthen organizational commitment.