The role of structural empowerment in predicting computer use among Jordanian nurses: A cross-sectional study

Aim The study aimed to examine the relationship between structural empowerment and attitudes towards computer use among nurses. Background Empowering organizational structure is a significant factor affecting employees' attitudes and behaviours towards using organizational resources. Health information technologies were proven to improve health care quality. No previous studies examined the relationship between structural empowerment and attitudes towards computer use. Methods A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Self-reported questionnaires were completed by 200 Jordanian nurses. Descriptive statistics, Pearson r correlation and linear regression analyses were used to address the research aim. Results Structural empowerment was significantly and positively associated with attitudes towards computer use. Dimensions in structural empowerment that predict positive attitude towards computer use were access to opportunity (beta = 0.382, p = .000), formal power (beta = -0.252, p = .006) and informal power (beta = 0.176, p = .046). Conclusions Strengthening access to empowerment structures is essential to increase nurses' work efficiency. Improving empowering structures can be achieved by enhancing opportunities to increase professional knowledge and skills towards computerization. Implications for Nursing Management Nurse managers should promote work conditions that motivate nurses towards positive recognition of innovation through efficient collaborations with the information technology teams.