A case study in organizational value communication: understanding value/behavior relationship

Desjardins, Nancy M. (2002) A case study in organizational value communication: understanding value/behavior relationship. Master's Thesis, Department of Communication, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

This thesis seeks to determine if organizational values and defined behaviors that are communicated throughout the organization can increase employee satisfaction, commitment and performance outcomes. This research explains how these values are defined by an organization and ways that values and expected behaviors can be communicated to improve employee outcomes. Past research on values and behaviors within organizations is reviewed. The communication of stated organizational values and the relationship with employee outcomes is evaluated between two departments within a Health Care Organization (HCO). Questions from the Organizational Culture Survey and the Communication Satisfaction Questionnaire are combined to measure employee satisfaction, morale and perceived involvement in decision-making. The organization provided data on employee absenteeism, turnover and performance ratings. A comparative analysis was conducted by performing an Independent Sample Test and Chi-Square which supported one of the six hypotheses presented; departments that clearly define and communicate stated organization values have employees that perceive they are more involved and more participative in decision-making.