Applying the Vanua Framework to Explore i-Taukei Nurses’ Job Satisfaction in Fiji

Abstract

<jats:p>This paper contributes to research on the application of the Vanua framework as a research methodology. The Fijian Vanua framework guided the theoretical and methodological approach to exploring nurses' job satisfaction in Fiji, highlighting ways of living, interacting, and sharing knowledge. The Vanua is founded on social principles that provide a structural framework in understanding the beliefs, values, ceremonial rituals, taking place in both the physical and social structure of Fijian society. Indigenous based approaches are critical to understanding job satisfaction, in post-colonial societies, as they highlight how historical and systematic factors shape the workplace experiences of localised employees. Twenty individual Talanoa conversations were held with Fijian registered i-Taukei nurses, and in addition two Talanoa group discussions took place nine nurse leaders and government administration officials. The individual Talanoas participants were all females and with between 5- and 10 years’ nursing experience in their respective roles. The Talanoa focus group participants were involved in nursing policymaking in urban and rural settings. This is the first time nurses' job satisfaction has been examined in Fiji using the Vanua as a lens to highlight the historical influence of culture, belief systems, organisational power imbalances, the role of women and impact of colonisation The engagement with Vanua together with employing Talanoas enabled deep and rich descriptions of nurses and nurse leaders’ employment experiences and engagement to emerge, while honouring of Fijian ritualised engagement ceremonies and respect protocols.</jats:p>