Organisational Climate

“Research shows that the climate of an organisation influences an individuals contribution far more than the individual himself.”

W. Edwards Deming

An organisation must have a proper organisational climate to achieve its objectives and goals effectively and efficiently. Organisational Climate is a behavior that organisation encourage and discourage from employees. It is about the perception of the climate and about absolute measures. The concept of organisational climate is not very clear but practically it is related to work performance, job contentment and self-esteem of the employees. Now the organisational climate has become a very useful metaphor for thinking about and describing the social system. Organisational climate is also referred to as the “situational determinants” or “environmental determinants” as it affects the human behaviour. The climate of an organisation is determined by the distinct qualities of an organisation which jointly include its customs, method of action, culture, etc. Generally the organisational climate reflects a person’s perception towards his organisation to which he belongs. It includes a set of unique characteristics and feature which the employees perceive about their organisation which serves as a major force in influencing there behaviour. Organisational Climate may be defined as quality of internal environment which is experienced by its members, employees, influences there behaviour and can be termed as the value of a particular set of characteristics of the organisation. It is normally observed that there may be as many climates as there are people in the organisation. Organisational Climate is a general expression of what the organisation is. It generally conveys the thought, impression or image that people have portraits in their minds regarding organisational internal environment within which they work. Organisational Climate is a qualitative concept. It is very difficult to explain the concept of organisational climate in quantitative terms. Organisational Climate gives a distinct identity to the organisation. It shows that how one organisation is different from the other organisation. Organisational Climate cannot be built suddenly. It can be built up over a period of time. Organisational Climate is a multi-dimensional concept. The various dimensions are authority, individual autonomy, leadership style, communication, etc. Organisational Climate influences the performance of the employees to a great extent because it has a major impact on motivation and job satisfaction of individual employee. It also helps in determining the work environment. As the work environment is the most important thing which encourages and motivates the employees and they feel satisfied or dissatisfied. And the employee who is satisfied with his organisation will really perform effectively and efficiently. Organisational Climate is important due to following reasons:-

• Improves Employee Performance – Organisational Climate clearly indicates the performance of the employees and the organisation. If the culture of the organisation is good there employees performance will be best.
• Builds Confidence – In an ideal organisational climate, the employees are very confident and committed. They are ready to show their hard work and commitment through their work to their superiors. They are ready to work according to the expectation of their superiors and the organisation.
• Strong Relationship – It also helps in building a strong relationship between the management and the employees. If the managers are able to know that what motivates there employees, they will be able to boost their morale easily. Hence, it helps in establishing a strong and positive relationship which ultimately helps in achieving the organisational goals successfully.
• Indicates Success or Failure – Organisational Climate helps in determining the success or failure of the organisation. As if an organisation has positive climate, healthy work environment the employees will willingly perform their work and are satisfied with the organisation.
• Work can be Done Easily – An organisation where there is a positive culture, the manager faces lesser challenges in getting task completed by their subordinates. The employee to show their respect to their seniors and are also willing to work.

So, Organisational Climate helps in increasing the production, resource conservation, building healthy organisation and minimising labour turnover.