Social capital and knowledge sharing: Effects on patient safety
Journal
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Journal Volume
68
Journal Issue
8
Pages
1793-1803
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Aims. This article is a report on a study that empirically examines the influence of social capital on knowledge sharing and the impact of knowledge sharing on patient safety. Background. Knowledge sharing is linked to many desirable managerial outcomes, including learning and problem-solving, which are essential for patient safety. Rather than studying the tangible effects of rewards, this study examines whether social capital (including social interaction, trust and shared vision) directly supports individual knowledge sharing in an organization. Methods. This cross-sectional study analysed data collected through a questionnaire survey of nurses from a major medical centre in northern Taiwan. The data were collected over a 9-month period from 2008 to 2009. The data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Squares Graph v3.0 program to evaluate the measurement properties and the structural relationships specified in the research model. Findings. Based on a large-scale survey, empirical results indicate that Registered Nurses' perceptions of trust and shared vision have statistically significant and direct effects on knowledge sharing. In addition, knowledge sharing is significantly and positively associated with patient safety. Conclusion. The findings suggest that hospital administrators should foster group trust and initiate a common vision among Registered Nurses. In addition, administrators and chief knowledge officers of hospitals should encourage positive intentions towards knowledge sharing. ? 2011 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing ? 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Subjects
Empirical research; Knowledge sharing; Learning; Nurses; Patient safety; Social capital
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; article; attitude to health; clinical competence; cooperation; empirical research; epidemiology; female; health care quality; hospital management; human; information dissemination; knowledge; male; medical error; nursing research; nursing staff; organization; organization and management; patient safety; psychological aspect; public relations; social network; standard; statistics; Taiwan; trust; Adult; Clinical Competence; Cooperative Behavior; Empirical Research; Epidemiologic Methods; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Hospital Administration; Humans; Information Dissemination; Interprofessional Relations; Knowledge; Male; Medical Errors; Nursing Research; Nursing Staff, Hospital; Organizational Culture; Patient Safety; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Social Networking; Taiwan; Trust; Young Adult
Type
journal article