Organizational culture, climate and person-environment fit: Relationships with employment outcomes for mental health consumers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bonnie Kirsh,

Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 256 McCaul Street, M5T 1W5 Toronto, Ont., Canada. Tel.: +1 416 978 4647; Fax: +1 416 978 4363; E-mail: bonnie.kirsh@utoronto.ca

Abstract: Although the effects of organizational culture, climate and person-environment fit have been widely studied in the general population, little research exists in this area regarding consumers of mental health services. This research focuses on organizational culture, climate and person-environment fit and their relationship to employment outcomes for mental health consumers. It also examines specific components of organizational culture which are both desired and perceived by mental health consumers. Thirty-six (N=36) consumers were recruited into one of two groups: individuals who were employed at the time of the study and those who had recently left their jobs. Instruments used were the Workplace Climate Questionnaire (WCQ) and the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP). Significant differences were found between groups along the dimensions of organizational culture/climate and person-environment fit. Although few differences were found between groups with regards to desired workplace characteristics, many differences in perceived characteristics were found. The findings point to the importance of assessing the organizational culture/climate and its congruence with individuals' value systems as part of the work integration process.

Keywords: vocational rehabilitation, employment, mental health consumers

Journal: Work, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 109-122, 2000