Variability in perceptions of organizational culture across U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy

Abstract

Background: Despite its importance on myriad outcomes, there is little information on the organizational culture of colleges and schools of pharmacy (CSOPs).

Objectives: This study sought to: (1) identify faculty and administrator perceptions across 5 dimensions of organizational culture in CSOPs; (2) describe differences in these perceptions among faculty varying in type of appointment and type of institution where employed.

Methods: A questionnaire survey designed in Qualtrics was distributed via email link to a census sample of 3378 members within 2018 AACP list-servs. Dimensions of organizational culture were adapted from previously validated work describing such specifically within academic pharmacy. Reminders were employed to maximize survey responses. Frequency distributions and chi-square statistics were conducted to describe the data.

Results: Responses from 463 faculty and administrators indicated perceived strength in several aspects of organizational culture in U.S. CSOPs, including their emphasis on quality, developing collaborations partnerships with external partners, and promoting personal development. Other facets of culture deemed to be less descriptive amongst CSOPs include their being innovative, managing conflict, and discouraging political maneuvering. There were relatively few differences in perceptions of culture among faculty varying by rank, discipline, or supervisory status. There were a number of differences among respondents varying by type of institution, with those from public and balanced/research-oriented institutions indicating their organizations are more likely to project positively certain components of culture such as empowering people to achieve, fostering innovation, remaining calm in turbulent times, and making employees feel secure in their employment.

Conclusions: This study highlighted aspects of organizational culture at CSOPs that might need to be addressed or communicated more effectively by program leaders. All CSOPs, and particularly those within private and teaching-oriented institutions might endeavor to assess and address aspects of their organizational culture, particularly related to their performance orientation, innovation and stability.

Keywords: Academic governance; Collegiality; Faculty; Organizational culture; Pharmacy.