Language confidence and job satisfaction among foreign-born nurses in Japan: mediating effect of workplace discrimination and moderating effect of immigration duration

Abstract

Abstract Aim This study explored the relationship between language confidence and job satisfaction, the mediating role of workplace discrimination, and the moderating role of immigration duration among foreign-born nurses in Japan. Introduction Job satisfaction is an important factor in preventing migrant nurses’ turnover intentions; however, the relationships among language confidence, immigration duration, workplace discrimination, and job satisfaction among foreign-born nurses remain unclear. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected between June and August 2022 through an online survey of nurses who were born outside of Japan but were currently working as registered nurses in Japan. PROCESS v4.0 Macro for SPSS 28.0 was applied to analyze the effect of language confidence on job satisfaction, the mediator effect of workplace discrimination (model 4), and the moderator effect of immigration duration (model 15). Results Data from 187 participants were analyzed. The results showed that 1) foreign-born nurses’ language confidence was negatively correlated with workplace discrimination and positively correlated with job satisfaction; 2) workplace discrimination played a partially mediating role between language confidence and job satisfaction; and 3) immigration duration positively moderated the relationship between language confidence and job satisfaction. Conclusion Foreign-born nurses with stronger confidence in their proficiency in Japanese perceived less workplace discrimination and higher job satisfaction. Workplace discrimination acted as a mediator in the relationship between language confidence and job satisfaction, and this relationship was strengthened with longer migration periods. Managers and policymakers should implement policies and strategies to combat workplace discrimination and provide tailored support to improve foreign-born nurses’ job satisfaction, which may contribute to their retention in Japan.

Keywords

• Non-native nurses
• Workplace discrimination
• Job satisfaction
• Language confidence