The Relationship Between Moral Courage, Personality Traits, and Organizational Climate Among Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIM

To examine the relationship between moral courage, personality traits and organisational climate among nurses.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study.

METHODS

A total of 264 nurses from three hospitals in Semnan, Iran, participated in the study. Stratified random sampling was used, and data were collected in summer and autumn 2024 through the Moral Courage Scale, Organisational Climate Scale and Personality Traits Inventory. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.

RESULTS

Moral courage was positively associated with a supportive organisational climate. A weak inverse relationship was noted with agreeableness, while other personality traits showed no notable influence. Moral courage was more prevalent among married nurses, supervisors and those with permanent contracts.

CONCLUSION

A positive organisational climate enhances nurses' moral courage, emphasising the need to foster supportive work environments. While agreeableness may slightly inhibit moral courage, other personality traits did not show a significant effect.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Understanding the contributors to moral courage can assist healthcare institutions in developing training and policies that empower nurses to act ethically and confidently in challenging situations, ultimately improving care quality.

IMPACT (ADDRESSING): Problem addressed: The study explores the relationship between moral courage, personality traits, and organisational climate among nurses in clinical settings.

MAIN FINDINGS

Organisational climate significantly impacts moral courage, while most personality traits do not play a major role. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? These findings can inform hospital leaders, educators, and policymakers in shaping ethics-centred strategies to support nurses in clinical settings.

REPORTING METHOD

This study adheres to EQUATOR guidelines for cross-sectional studies.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct or reporting.