Employee Perceptions of Organizational Climate Factors in a Private School System

Abstract

This research was undertaken to assess employee perceptual positivity of selected current and expected organizational climate factors in a private school system. A survey adapted and modified from the Charles F. Kettering Ltd. School Climate Profile was developed consisting of 11 climate factors and 55 positive statements followed by an open-ended comment section. Completed, valid responses were received from employees (N = 215) across four different schools. A One-Way ANOVA and a t-test were used to determine perceptions. Overall employee perceptual expectations of climate factors were very high in every climate factor (mean = 3.79 on a 4.00 scale), while the overall perceptions of current climate factors were high to moderate (mean = 3.08). The highest perceptions of current climate factors were attributed to respect (3.26) and communication (3.26), while the lowest factors were trust (2.85) and morale (2.90). Open-ended findings generally supported statistical findings. Spirituality and caring were perceived to be among the strongest organizational climate aspects in these schools. Resources ranked as one of the weakest aspects across all schools. Morale was not perceived to be a strong aspect in any of the schools, and was perceived to be among the weakest aspects at most schools.