Culture and Climate 2: A Study of Work Climate in a Geriatric Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to describe work climate on six wards in a geriatric hospital. Since a previous study had shown that there were no major differences in culture between the wards, it was assumed that there would be no major differences in climate either. The sample consisted of 67 head nurses, registered nurses, practical nurses and nursing assistants. Data was collected by the use of a questionnaire consisting of 53 questions divided into 10 areas. The results showed that the nursing personnel experienced a moderate degree of stress, variety, possibilities to develop themselves and to influence their work, and a moderate degree of fear of changes and unemployment. They did not consider their work as technically difficult nor their job tasks as very demanding. On the whole, they felt that they received enough information and that they could cooperate with their superiors, and they were satisfied with their work group. The wards differed from each other only in one area, possibility to influence work. On the other hand, there were significant differences between the personnel groups. Variety, possibility to develop oneself and to influence work, information and cooperation with superiors, and fear of changes and unemployment were experienced differently by the groups. The results gave some support to the assumption concerning consistency between culture and climate. However, the differences between the personnel groups indicated that work climate may be experienced differently by different participants.