Perceptions of the Organization's Climate: Influenced by the Organization's Structure?

Abstract

Currently, little is known about organizational climates in schools of nursing, and what structural factors are associated with climate variations. The purpose of this study is to describe the organizational structure and climate, and the interrelationship between these factors, in two schools of nursing. Results indicated that the sample organizations exhibited characteristics of both the bureaucratic and professional models of organizational structure, although one school was more closely aligned to the professional model. Organizational climates differed in the two schools, and the school that structurally resembled the professional model had a more facultative climate. Organizational structure was significantly (p<.01) related to the climate dimensions of autonomy (r= - .35), work pressure (r = .49), and control (r = .59). The schools differed significantly (p<.01) on the climate dimensions of administrative support (t = 3.31, df= 54), autonomy (t = 3.30, df= 56), work pressure (t = - 4.36, df= 60), and control (t = - 6.74, df= 55). Administrative support and autonomy were higher in the school structurally resembling the professional model, and work pressure and control were higher in the school structurally resembling the bureaucratic model.