Countering Unprofessional Behaviors Among Nurses in the Workplace.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the association of authentic leadership (AL) and perceived organizational support to workplace bullying among a sample of licensed practical nurses (LPNs). BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying is a serious problem in the workplace that harms nurses' physical and psychological well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was implemented. A simple random sample of 855 was drawn from a population of 4306 LPNs in a single US Midwestern state. A total of 168 usable questionnaires were returned (19.65% response rate). RESULTS: Forty-three percent of nurses experienced at least 2 negative behaviors on a weekly/daily basis; 12% self-identified as a victim. The moral component of AL was a major determinant of overall workplace bullying (ß = -.59), person-related bullying (ß = -.70), and physical intimidation (ß = -.58). Perceived support was a major determinant of work-related bullying (ß = -.40). CONCLUSIONS: Organizational support initiatives and AL training for nurse leaders should be considered to reduce bullying.