Table of Contents
Introduction
Mindfulness practices have been suggested as a potential tool for nurse managers to effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace. However, the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution styles among nurse managers is not well understood. This study aims to identify the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution and to predict the conflict resolution styles of nurse managers through mindfulness.
Objective
The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution among Jordanian nurse managers. Specifically, the study seeks to assess the levels of mindfulness among nurse managers, describe the conflict resolution styles they use, and examine the link between mindfulness and conflict resolution styles. The study also aims to predict the conflict resolution styles of nurse managers based on their mindfulness levels.
Methodology
Study Design
A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was employed for this study.
Sample and Settings
The participants were recruited from five public hospitals and two university hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 197 nurse managers was included in the study. The nurse managers were selected based on specific criteria, including holding a managerial position for at least one year and being assigned to a managerial title such as nurse director, head nurse, nurse supervisor, or unit manager.
Measurements
Data about nurse managers’ mindfulness and conflict management styles were collected through self-reported scales. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) was used to measure mindfulness, and the Rahim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) was used to measure conflict resolution styles.
Data Collection and Ethical Considerations
Formal ethical approvals were obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRBs) in the selected hospitals. Permission from the creators of the study questionnaires was also obtained. The nurse managers were informed about the study purposes and the data collection plan, and they were asked to sign informed consent before completing the study questionnaires. Data were collected between January and March 2020.
Data Analysis
Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between mindfulness and conflict resolution styles. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to predict conflict resolution styles based on nurse managers’ mindfulness scores.
Results
The study included a sample of 197 nurse managers, with the majority being female (69.5%). The nurse managers had a mean age of 40.81 years and an average of 18.06 years of experience in the nursing profession. The most commonly used conflict resolution style among Jordanian nurse managers was the integrating style (42.1%), followed by compromising (21.3%) and obliging (15.2%) styles. Mindfulness was significantly associated with integrating and obliging conflict resolution styles. The integrating conflict resolution style had the strongest correlation with all mindfulness subdimensions.
Discussion
The findings of this study suggest that mindfulness is positively associated with integrating and obliging conflict resolution styles among nurse managers. This highlights the importance of mindfulness training for nurse managers to enhance their conflict resolution skills. The study also emphasizes the need for healthcare organizations to invest in mindfulness programs for nurse managers.
Conclusion
Mindfulness practices can play a unique role in promoting integrating conflict resolution among nurse managers. The study underscores the importance of incorporating mindfulness training into nurse managers’ professional development programs. By enhancing their mindfulness skills, nurse managers can effectively deal with conflicts in the workplace and contribute to a more harmonious work environment.
