Perceptions of healthcare workers regarding the ethical climate in the workplace, Specifically in the Private Nursing Section, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital

Abstract

 Aim of this descriptive research study were: 1) to investigate the ethical climate in the workplace as perceived by healthcare workers and 2) to compare level of perceptions regarding the ethical climate in the workplace at each level of healthcare workers in the Specific Private Nursing Section, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. The participants include 107 healthcare workers. The research instruments were a general information questionnaire and an ethical climate assessment questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The levels of perception of the ethical climate in the workplace among nurses and non-nursing staff were compared using Chi-square test.

The research result found that the levels of perception of the ethical climate in the workplace among healthcare workers is positive. (x̅ = 3.63, S.D. = 0.74). The highest average score was related to fidelity (x̅ = 3.97, S.D. = 0.84), followed by beneficence (x̅ = 3.88, S.D. = 0.64). There was no significant difference in the perceptions of the ethical climate in the workplace between nurses and non-nursing staff (p< 0.05).

The ethical climate in the workplace indicates good relationships between personnel within an organization and with the customers. Therefore, an annual workplace assessment of the ethical environment is advisable. Findings of this study, organization leaders use to develop guidelines for enhancing the ethical environment in the workplace, ensuring high-quality service for customer and personnel have positive, productive relationships with each other.