From the faculty perspective: Factors that influence the development of organizational culture within a new school of education

Abstract

This study examines the process of organizational culture development within a new school of education, focusing on the various factors that influence culture as perceived by faculty. The research is situated within a mid-sized university in Canada. From the data analysis emerged the following factors that participants saw as influencing culture: leadership; other members of the organization; programmatic influences; the mission statement, goals, and conceptual framework; organization structure and size; physical space and location; resource and financial considerations; the fact that everything was new; workload and time constraints; the wider university; other external influences; and the field of study. The significance of the study is threefold. One is that it contributes to a sparse body of literature regarding the development of culture in educational organizations. Secondly, it informs organizations of considerations to be made in regards to the development of culture, and finally, the study informs the research locale.