A Comparison of the Awareness of Medical Residents´ Power Style, Communication Type and Organizational Effectiveness in Nurses and Technologists

Abstract

Purpose: This study is a descriptive research comparing the awareness of medical residents´ power style, communication type and organizational effectiveness in nurses and technologists.

Methods: A standardized survey questionnaire was sent to 288 nurses, 85 radiological technologists, and 107 medical technologists working at 4 university hospitals in a metropolitan area. Collected data were analyzed using statistical methods including χ2-test, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.

Results: There was a noticeable difference between the nurses and the technologists in their awareness of medical residents´ power style and communication type. Power style and communication type correlates significantly with job satisfaction and organizational commitment. When residents exercised coercive power, downward communication took place between the residents and nurses and technologists. It also affected the overall amount of communication, job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Conclusion: To ensure active communication between medical residents and other allied health professionals and to promote mutually satisfying relationships, open and active communication channels should be provided. Communication skills training for every member of a hospital organization is needed to encourage effective horizontal communication.