Exploring how organizational virtuousness shapes nurses’ occupational commitment: the mediating role of just culture

Abstract Background Organizational virtuousness and just culture, which both foster justice, honesty, and trust, have a major impact on positive work environments in the healthcare industry. Strengthening nurses’ emotional engagement and vocational commitment requires these components. With an emphasis on the mediating function of just culture, this study attempts to investigate the relationship between organizational virtuousness and nurses’ vocational commitment. Methods This study used a descriptive correlational design that was informed by the STROBE checklist. A non-probability convenience sample from Alexandria Main University Hospital was chosen following accepted structural equation modeling (SEM) principles to guarantee sufficient statistical power and trustworthy parameter estimation. A sample of 400 nurses was considered adequate due to the model’s moderate complexity, the use of 61-item measurement methods, and the inclusion of several latent variables. Three validated tools—the Just Culture Survey, the Occupational Commitment Survey, and the Organizational Virtuousness Scale—were used to gather data. Results According to linear regression analysis, nurses’ occupational commitment was significantly predicted by both organizational virtuousness and just culture, which together accounted for 15.5% of the variation. Organizational virtuousness was a significant positive predictor (B = 0.220), meaning that occupational commitment rose by 0.220 units for every unit rise in perceived virtuousness. The greatest predictor was only culture (B = 0.352, β = 0.342, t = 7.207, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.256, 0.448]), underscoring its crucial influence on commitment. These results highlight the value of open, equitable workplace cultures and moral organizational climates in raising nurses’ levels of professional engagement. These correlations were further validated by the structural equation model, which showed good model fit (GFI = 0.961, AGFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.069). Conclusions Nurses’ commitment to their work is strengthened by an organization’s moral character and fair culture. These elements improve trust, engagement, and emotional involvement by creating a courteous, moral, and encouraging work atmosphere. In healthcare contexts, fostering such cultural values improves employee retention, productivity, and overall organizational resilience. Clinical trial number Not applicable.