Understanding the Relationship between Compassion and Employee Engagement

• Main Author: Lenz, Dana Shapiro
• Language: EN
• Published: Pepperdine University 2017
• Subjects: Occupational psychology|Organizational behavior|Health care management
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10262223

<p> Both compassion and employee engagement are determined to have positive impacts in a healthcare setting. Previous research indicates that patients who receive compassionate care from healthcare providers may recover more quickly from illnesses and better manage long-term health issues. Additionally, high employee engagement has been shown to have a positive relationship with quality of patient care, patient safety, and patient-centered care. Due to the far-reaching impact of both variables, an association between compassion and employee engagement would enable healthcare providers to leverage the relationship for improved patient outcomes. </p><p> This study explored the relationship between compassion and employee engagement. Qualitative data was collected from 118 nurses through the International Nurses Society on Addictions. All participants completed a 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Participants were then distributed by engagement category and volunteers were contacted to complete a semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences with compassion in the workplace. This qualitative data was obtained from nine interviewees. </p><p> A review of the research data and previous academic research led to four findings. First, previous academic research findings were confirmed. Second, the participant&rsquo;s connection to compassion in their work indicated the importance of this emotionally charged topic. Third, a trend between the average frequency of daily acts of compassion and engagement level indicated a potential relationship or confounding variable. Fourth, the research data indicated an inconclusive relationship between compassion and employee engagement.</p><p>