Relationship between Organization Culture and Managers’ Performance: Empirical Study of a Chinese University

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between organizational culture and managers’ performance in a Chinese university, with commitment as a mediating variable. It revealed that organizational culture had a significant impact on commitment of employees. At the same time, commitment impacted managers’ performance positively. However, the study also highlighted that organizational culture had no significant impact on performance, contradicting many past studies on the impact of organizational culture on performance. The authors developed a framework adapting the four dimensions of organizational culture based on Denison Organizational Culture Survey (DOCS). They also adapted the three dimensional concept of organizational commitment developed by Allen & Meyer, characterized by affective, continuance and normative commitment. The authors decided to investigate the contextual performance rather than task performance as it relates to spontaneous behavior, organizational citizenship behavior, pro-social behavior and dedication to the spirit of organization. While contextual performance does not contribute directly to organizational performance unlike task performance, it nevertheless, enhances the psychological and social aspects of the organization. They have also adapted the performance measurement scale developed by Scotter & Motowidlo as a measure for contextual performance. Chinese universities are unique as most of the top leaders are appointed by the central government. Major challenges arise for university leaders as they face competition both locally and abroad to raise the academic ranking of their institutions. The study suggested changing the governance structure of universities to meet the rising demands for greater autonomy and flexibility from academics and administrators. A more diversified system of higher education institutions is needed to cater to different demands within the higher education system at large. As such, each institution will have to develop its unique organizational culture to ensure its sustainability.