Drawing on Self-Determination and Work Characteristics theories, we hypothesized that job
autonomy and intrinsic motivation were key exogenous variables positively related to
affective commitment, which in turn is negatively related to turnover intention, by
performing a mediating role. A sample of 442 nurses has been involved in this research.
Through the cross-validation technique, the results showed that the hypotheses of this study
were supported and affective commitment completely mediated the relationships between job
autonomy, intrinsic work motivation and turnover intention. These findings have important implications for
healthcare organizations by helping to promote effective work environments and major opportunities of
responsibility to workers to develop their own activity. Conclusions were examined considering practical
implications for organizations, employees and the need for further researches
