The effects of cutbacks on motivation and knowledge sharing among nurses in primary care

Abstract

The aim of the paper is twofold: Firstly, to examine the effects of cutbacks related to the the economic collapse on the motivating factors among nurses in primary health care and, secondly, to examine the effects of the cutbacks on the knowledge sharing within the same group. A qualitative method, the Vancouver-school of doing phenomenology, was used, involving a purposeful sample of ten nurses in primary health care. The results indicate that the cutbacks increased pressure, fatigue, lack of time and employment insecurity among the participants. Continuing education and professional development was negatively affected and job security and salaries became stronger motivating factors than before. Lack of time and a heavy workload hindered spontaneous knowledge sharing while organized knowledge sharing was less affected. From thisit can be learned that cutbacks can have serious effects on motivationalfactors among health care professionals.