Open climate in organizations – insights from a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we present links between organizational climate and open strategy, integrating existing scholarship to show that a specific type of climate supports open strategy. Second, we offer the initial conceptualization of an “open climate” and define a ground for future research on the topic. Design/methodology/approach To collect more comprehensive, valuable, and diversified data, we applied a combination of individual in-depth interviews (IDI), dyad and FGI with technological startup managers. Findings Based on the pilot study, we obtained insights into both the initial conceptualization of an open climate and research design suggestions for future substantive studies on open climate in organizations that can facilitate further advancements. Originality/value The main theoretical contributions and originality of our work are twofold. First, we offer an initial conceptualization of an open climate and its dimensions. Second, we provide several methodological insights for further open climate studies.