J Korean Clin Nurs Res.  2025 Dec;31(3):258-268. 10.22650/JKCNR.2025.31.3.258.

The Mediating Effect of Work Stress in the Relationship between Organizational Culture and Work-life Balance among Hospital Nurses

• Park S
• Oh S
• Ahn KA
• Park SA
• Yang HS
• Park CG

• KMID: 2576771
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22650/JKCNR.2025.31.3.258

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the impact of organizational culture on work-life balance among hospital nurses, and to explore the mediating role of work stress in this relationship.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study design was employed. A total of 535 nurses from 10 hospitals in S City and J City, South Korea, participated in the study. Data were collected through self-reported online questionnaires between December 1 and 31, 2023. The measures included organizational culture (clan, hierarchy, adhocracy, and market), work-life balance(interference and enhancement), and work stress. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and path analysis.
Results
The findings showed that clan culture was associated with decreased work-life interference and increased work-life enhancement, with work stress partially mediating these relationships. Hierarchy and market cultures did not show a direct effect on work-life interference; however, work stress fully mediated these relationships. Adhocracy culture showed no significant association with work-life balance, and no mediating effect of work stress was identified.
Conclusion
The findings suggest the need for organizational strategies aimed at reducing work stress and fostering supportive work environments, which can improve nurses' work-life balance.

Keyword

Organizational Culture; Work-Life Balance; Work Stress; Mediating Effect; Nurses