The Mediating Role of Authentic Followership in the Relationship Between Job Crafting and Nurses’ Quality of Work Life

J Adv Nurs. 2025 Apr 24. doi: 10.1111/jan.16993. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The dynamic landscape of contemporary healthcare organisations presents substantial challenges and competition, underscoring the imperative to improve the quality of work life for staff nurses.

AIM: Investigating the mediating role of authentic followership between job crafting and nurses’ quality of work life.

DESIGN AND METHOD: A correlational analytical research design was utilised following STROBE guidelines, and data were collected from 264 nurses. Instruments included a Job Crafting Questionnaire, Quality of Work Life scale and Authentic Followership Profile. Data were collected from the beginning of January to the end of February 2024.

RESULTS: The study shows a significant correlation between job crafting, authentic followership and quality of work life. Specifically, authentic followership and job crafting are positively related to quality of work life. Additionally, various job crafting dimensions are positively related to the quality of work life dimensions. The linear regression analysis indicates that Authentic Followership and Job Crafting together explain 39% of the quality of work life variance (R² = 0.390). Path analysis suggests that authentic followership is a significant mediator between job crafting and quality of work life.

CONCLUSION: Path analysis reveals authentic followership as a vital mediator between job crafting and nurses’ quality of work life, suggesting its crucial role in transmitting the positive effects of job crafting.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: Practical implications include encouraging job crafting, fostering authentic followership qualities and establishing mentorship programmes. Nursing and health policy must invest in leadership development, mentorship and job-crafting opportunities for nurses, motivating us to take action. This will foster a supportive environment and lead to an effective healthcare system.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

PMID:40270371 | DOI:10.1111/jan.16993