How Does an Organisation’s Culture Relate to Professional Growth? A Study of Finnish Higher Education Institutions

Authors

• Tahani Z. Aldahdouh Tampere University, Faculty of Education
• Vesa Korhonen Tampere University, Faculty of Education
• Petri Nokelainen Tampere University, Industrial and Information Management laboratory

Keywords:

higher education, organisational culture, professional growth, Tampere3, Finland

Abstract

Refereed article

This study seeks to explore organizational culture and growth-oriented atmosphere as experienced at higher education institutions in Tampere together with the relationship between culture and atmosphere. The Organisational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and the Growth-Oriented Atmosphere Questionnaire (GOAQ) were administered to a sample of 322 staff members. The results revealed that all four culture types (Hierarchy, Market, Clan and Adhocracy) were experienced in moderation in Tampere higher education institutions, while the dominant culture was found to be Clan. The score for a growth-oriented atmosphere was above the average, which means that the atmosphere encourages professional growth. The relationship between culture and growth-oriented atmosphere indicated that only the Clan and Adhocracy culture types support professional growth. That is to say, allowing the staff flexibility, discretion and autonomy implicitly guarantees their professional growth. The study also reported differences in organisational culture based on discipline, job type, gender and educational level. Administrators at higher education institutions could benefit by taking the study findings into account when developing strategic plans and initiatives.