The Relationship between Decision-Making Style and Self-Efficacy among Nurses: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In professional nursing practice, decision-making style and self-efficacy are important elements that directly impact patient safety, care equality, and healthcare outcomes. Objective: To examine the relationship between decision-making styles and self-efficacy among nurses in Jordanian hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 150 nurses was recruited from Jordanian private and governmental hospitals in the central region of Jordan (Amman, Zarqa, and Balqa). The General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Nursing Decision-Making Instrument were used to gather data. Results: 88.7% were categorized as intuitively oriented decision makers, and the overall mean score of nurses’ decision-making styles was high (M=3.74/5). Nurses scored highest in the areas of documenting, anticipating the results of nursing interventions, and conducting structured patient evaluations. Additionally, there was a high level of self-efficacy (M=3.36/4), especially in problem-solving skills and handling clinical problems. Self-efficacy and decision-making styles showed a positive correlation (r=0.412, p<0.001). Significant differences in self-efficacy and decision-making styles were found based on age, years of experience, job title, and educational level. Significantly higher scores were reported in older nurses holding postgraduate degrees, more experienced, and having administrative positions. Nurses’ decision-making styles were significantly predicted by years of experience (β=0.24, p=0.021) and self-efficacy (β=0.34, p<0.001). Conclusions: To improve nurses' confidence, clinical reasoning, and decision-making skills, healthcare organizations should encourage continuous professional development, mentorship, and support structural training programs, which ultimately will improve patient care quality and healthcare outcomes.