Table 4

Indices and questions

Index 1. Top management (Cronbach's alpha = 0.76; 4 questions, scale 1–5)

11-3: The department management knows the job situation in the wards.

11-4: In my department, the management's priorities are good.

11-6: The hospital top management really makes an effort to keep the staff.

Index 2. Local leadership (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; 5 questions, scale 1–5)

11-5: My immediate superior knows my job situation well.

14-1: I get the encouragement and support I need from my immediate superior.

14-2: My immediate superior provides feedback so that I know whether I'm doing a good job.

14-5: My immediate superior always speaks clearly.

14-6: My immediate superior is an important inspiration.

Index 3. Competence (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77; 3 questions, scale 1–10)

15-5: How would you rate the competence of the nurses in this ward?

15-6: How would you rate the competence of the doctors in this ward?

15-7: How would you rate the competence of the auxiliaries in this ward?

Index 4. Work organization (Cronbach's alpha = 0.82; 3 questions, scale 1–10)

16-1: Expectations from superiors are clear.

16-2: Tasks are clearly defined.

16-6: The work organization is good.

Index 5. Professional development (Cronbach's alpha = 0.74; 2 questions, scale 1–5)

25-1: The work environment is characterized by professional development.

25-4: The hospital provides good opportunities for professional development.

Krogstad et al. Human Resources for Health 2006 4:3 doi:10.1186/1478-4491-4-3