The cost of being marginalized: how workplace ostracism shapes decent work perception

Purpose Grounded in the psychology of working theory (PWT), the current study examined how workplace ostracism (WO) is associated with nurses’ perception of decent work (DW). Design/methodology/approach We relied on a three-wave time-lagged data collection strategy to target the participants and the data collection purpose. Findings Results revealed that the social exclusion of nurses at the workplace negatively influences work volition (WV), which leads to their diminished perception of DW. Additionally, the WV mediates the relationship between WO and perception of DW. Practical implications This study adheres to the pillars of the DW agenda and addresses the issue of inadequate working conditions in Pakistan. The findings of this research will potentially provide valuable insights for formulating policies and recommendations about the healthcare profession (i.e. nurses) and prevailing working conditions. Originality/value The Study sheds new light on extant research regarding nurses’ DW in Pakistan by identifying a micro-level predictor, namely WO, and its influence on WV and DW.