Exploring the relationship between organisational silence and organisational learning in nurses: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS

To assess the organisational silence and learning levels among nurses of a university hospital and explore the relationship between the socio-demographics, organisational silence and learning.

BACKGROUND

Organisational learning is an active process needed for improving organisational performance, and silence has a devastating impact on an organisation's capacity to learn.

METHODS

A cross-sectional quantitative design was applied using two tools: the organisational silence and the organisational learning scales. Over 3 months, data were collected from 724 nurses. The data were then analysed using suitable statistical methods.

RESULTS

The organisational silence level is moderate. The organisational learning level is predominantly moderate. The association between the two scales is a weak negative correlation, yet statistically significant. The multiple regression analysis was better in predicting organisational learning scores.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a highly statistically significant negative weak correlation between overall organisational silence and overall organisational learning. More researchers are invited to implement of interventions to promote speaking-up behaviours and organisational learning in nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers and leaders can create a work atmosphere that encourages and promotes open communication among nurses and other health care team members, likewise, creating an environment conducive to translating experiences into organisational learning.