Communication Patterns, Styles and Skills among Intergenerational Nurses in a Government Hospital

Abstract

Existing literature often focuses on communication outcomes without fully comparing communication behaviors across generational groups, creating a gap that this study aimed to address. This study utilized a quantitative-descriptive comparative research design to determine the levels of communication patterns, communication styles, and communication skills among intergenerational nurses and to assess whether significant differences existed according to generation. The study was conducted among 205 nurses in a tertiary government hospital using adopted and validated questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to describe respondents and communication variables, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed to test differences among groups. Findings revealed that nurses demonstrated very high levels of communication patterns and communication skills, with assertive communication identified as the dominant style. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in communication patterns, communication skills, and communication styles across generational groups, indicating that nurses generally followed shared communication practices regardless of age category. The study concluded that communication among intergenerational nurses is shaped more by professional standards and workplace culture than by generational differences. Based on the findings, an Intergenerational Communication Enhancement Plan was proposed to sustain effective communication and strengthen collaboration among nurses.