The Moderating Effect of Leadership on the Relationship Between Workload and Work Stress: Empirical Evidence from a Public Hospital

Abstract

Hospitals are organizations in the health sector that offer high quality public health services with the best resource support. Nurses are an integral part of healthcare professionals, who are critical to the achievement of hospital goals. This study investigates the moderating effect of leadership on the relationship between workload and work stress among nurses in a public hospital. Drawing on a sample of 140 nurses, the study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) to test the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that workload has a significant positive influence on work stress, and that leadership moderates this relationship. Specifically, effective leadership behaviors can mitigate the negative impact of high workload on nurse stress levels. The findings highlight the crucial role of nurse leaders in creating a supportive work environment and managing job demands. The study contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the complex interplay between workload, leadership, and stress in the nursing context. Practical implications for hospital management and nurse well-being are discussed