Defining Organizational Trust in Nursing: A Concept Analysis Using Walker and Avant's Model

Abstract

Context: Trust in nursing has traditionally been considered from an interpersonal perspective, where it is viewed as an attitude patients hold as they confidently rely on nursing care. Organizational trust in nursing is a recognized quality indicator in the healthcare system. Although several studies have addressed the importance of relationships in healthcare systems, less attention has been paid to interprofessional relationships between nurses and managers, as well as the concept of organizational trust in nursing. Evidence Acquisition: The concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant’s approach in eight stages. An internet search was performed in reputable and accessible databases, including Magiran, SID, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, to identify existing literature on organizational trust. The search for articles was conducted in two phases using the keywords "organizational trust" and related concepts within nursing up to the year 2024. After eliminating duplicates, a total of 35 documents were included in the study. Consequently, the defining attributes of the concept, its antecedents and consequences, models, alternatives, empirical indicators, and an analytical definition were established. Results: The categories related to the attributes of the concept include integrity, competence, consistency, benevolence, and empathy. The antecedents of this concept relate to organizational factors, job roles, and personnel within an organization, while its consequences pertain to interpersonal cohesion, increased productivity, fostering growth within the organization, and creating a creative environment. Organizational trust among nurses represents a positive attitude and profound belief in the social and behavioral capabilities of the organization, shaped by transparent and ethical interactions within the organization. Conclusions: Integrity, competence, consistency, loyalty, goodwill, and empathy are fundamental keywords for strengthening trust among nurses. Given the widespread nature of the concept of organizational trust in nursing and its application in clinical practice, it is suggested that this concept be examined using other methods, such as hybrid concept analysis.