Examining the Mediating Role of Psychological Well-Being in the Relationship Between Organizational Virtuousness and Proactive Work Behavior Among Nurses.

BACKGROUND

Organizational virtuousness may be associated with proactive work behavior in healthcare organizations. However, the psychological processes underlying this association remain insufficiently understood.

AIM: This study aimed to examine the indirect association between organizational virtuousness and proactive work behavior through psychological well-being among nurses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 206 nurses recruited from a renal and urology hospital in Minia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected between April and June 2025 using self-reported questionnaires comprising three validated scales and a demographic form. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized associations.

RESULTS

Organizational virtuousness was positively associated with nurses' psychological well-being (B = 0.91, p < 0.001) and proactive work behavior (B = 0.49, p < 0.001). Psychological well-being was also positively associated with proactive work behavior (B = 0.21, p < 0.001). Furthermore, organizational virtuousness showed a significant indirect association with proactive work behavior through psychological well-being (B = 0.19, p = 0.006; BC 95% CI [0.07, 0.37]).

CONCLUSION

Organizational virtuousness was positively associated with nurses' proactive work behavior both directly and indirectly through psychological well-being. These findings suggest that a positive organizational climate characterized by virtuous practices may be relevant to nurses' psychological well-being and proactive workplace behavior.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing leaders should consider fostering organizational environments characterized by virtuous practices, including supportive leadership, recognition, respectful communication, and policies that reinforce ethical conduct. Such practices may be associated with nurses' psychological well-being and proactive workplace behavior and may contribute to improved patient care and organizational effectiveness.