Volume 18, No. 5, 2021
Nurses’ Experiences Of Horizontal Hostility: A Study Of Public Sector Hospitals Of Pakistan
Ms. Nadia Noor , Dr. Farida Faisal , Dr. Muhammad Fiaz , Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Ali , Ms. Maryam Gull
Abstract
This study explored the phenomenon of horizontal hostility among female nurses working in public sector hospitals in Pakistan. Forms or behavioral tendencies and outcomes of horizontal hostility have been identified in the context of a developing country where females are oppressed and discriminated against at both social and organizational levels. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the incidence and prevalence of horizontal hostility in the healthcare sector. Nurses shared their real-life experiences related to the forms and outcomes of horizontal hostility. In-depth information was collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty participants. We explored gossip, backbiting, negative comments, telling false stories, teasing and avoiding, verbal abuse, and non-verbal negative gestures as forms or behavioral tendencies of horizontal hostility. Intention to leave and poor quality of patient care were identified as outcomes of this distressing issue. This study provides insights into the forms or behavioral tendencies of horizontal hostility confirmed the incidence and prevalence of this phenomenon in healthcare settings in Pakistan.
Pages: 2419-2436
Keywords: Horizontal hostility, gossip, verbal abuse, intention to leave.