Abstract

STRYDOM, K; PERKS, S; SMITH, EE  and  SHARP, G. Perceptions of senior staff regarding factors impacting organisational culture at a South African university. JCMAN [online]. 2014, vol.11, n.1, pp.491-509. ISSN 1815-7440.

The purpose of this article is to determine the factors impacting organisational culture at a selected university. An institution's culture originates from various sources, such as leadership and socialisation, and is manifested through, amongst others, shared symbols, beliefs and practices. The impact of organisational culture is reflected in several key aspects of institutional functioning, such as coordination and control systems and human resource practices. The task of senior staff in developing a strong organisational culture is crucial since it is decisive in effecting institutional success. A positivistic research approach is followed. A probability sample of 266 respondents, both senior academics and administrative staff, was surveyed at a selected university in South Africa using a self-administered questionnaire. The structured equation modelling confirmatory analysis confirmed that six of the seven tested factors impact organisational culture at this university. Six statistically significant relationships were found between degree of flexibility, degree of teamwork, task directiveness, degree of formalisation, leadership styles, decision-making and organisational culture. It is suggested that senior staff at universities take into consideration the impact of these factors to nurture organisational culture and subsequently ensure institutional success.

Keywords : organisational culture; performance; structured equation modelling; university.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )