Knowledge Workers: Organizational Climate and Motivation

Abstract

This study investigated the correlations between the motivation of knowledge workers and their perceived organizational climate, in the light of Korman's theory which relates motivational processes and organizational behaviour to organizational environment. 21 knowledge workers with professional, technical, or managerial functions from 9 different organizations responded to Organizational Climate Questionnaire, Manifest Need Questionnaire, an individual brain-storming measure, and an aggression scale. Pearson's rs (.36–.53) between motivations and dimensions of organizational climate did not support Korman's theory that the motives of achievement, aggression, and creativity develop in the same kinds of organizational environment. The implications for research were discussed.