The influence of organizational climate on productivity in the National Department of Health

Abstract

The title of this study is the influence of organizational climate on productivity in the National Department of Health of South Africa. The goal of this research study was to explore the influence of organizational climate on productivity in the National Department of Health. In order to accomplish the goal of the research study, three objectives were developed as follows: <ul> <li> Undertake a thorough literature study to establish the link between organizational climate and productivity;</li> <li> Explore the influence of organizational climate on the productivity of the employees of the National Department of Health through an empirical study; and</li> <li> Draw conclusions and formulate recommendations to the National Department of Health to enhance productivity and steps to change the organizational climate.</li> </ul> The research question was as follows: What is the influence of organizational climate on productivity in the National Department of Health? The study utilized a quantitative research design with a self-administered questionnaire as a tool of data collection from the employees of the National Department of Health who are placed in Pretoria. The analysis of data was based on 95 questionnaires from a sample of 130, i.e., a response rate of 73%. The questionnaire had mostly closed-ended questions where respondents were required to assess organizational climate dimensions. The findings indicate that organizational climate influences productivity in a negative manner, with the organizational climate dimensions of communication and training as major influential factors. Other organizational climate dimensions assessed are conflict, initiative and creativity, quality, playfulness and humour, employee welfare, and supervisory support. Further research could be undertaken on the influence of training, especially with regards to employee input and involvement on productivity to comprehend the value that these two climate dimensions have in enhancing organizational effectiveness and performance. Copyright