The organizational climate, in 105 secondary schools in Kerala was studied using a modified form of Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire (OCDQ). Eight climate dimensions—Esprit, Disengagement, Hindrance, Intimacy, Aloofness, Consideration, Thrust, and Production Emphasis—were measured to identify the type of climate (Open, Autonomous, Control, Familiar, Paternal, or Closed) prevailing in each school. The sample was divided into four different categories on the basis of (1) government-aided or private; (2) rural or urban; (3) boys, girls, or co-education; and (4) large or small. Statistical significance of differences in climate across different types of schools were determined under each category. Based on the findings recommendations have been made for enhancing the climate of secondary schools in Kerala.
This study aims at finding out the prevailing organizational climate in the secondary schools of Kerala. It is intended to explore the factors that determine a school's climate using the interdisciplinary approach of organizational behavior and education. The results interpret the nature of human relations in the educational institutions and the utilization of physical and human resources in the existing system of secondary education in Kerala.
The identification of factors that determine a school's organizational climate would be of great help in creating favorable climate in the schools of Kerala. Though in the last three decades, several studies have been conducted on the organizational climate of schools and colleges in other states of India (Das, 1983; Kale, 1984; and Srivastava and Pratap, 1985), only very few attempts have been made in this regard in Kerala. Such a study will increase the understanding of the relationship, which exists among the personnel of the schools in its educational, social, economic and political context. This interplay and intertwining of sociopolitical and economic forces and the resultant growth of a specific pattern of social interaction giving rise to the school's organizational climate constitute a very important theme of study for the students of Social Sciences and Education. |
