Determinants and Outcomes of Collective Organizational Climate among Shipboard Independent Duty Hospital Corpsmen
Abstract
The shipboard independent duty hospital corpsman (IDC) performs a variety of complex medical department functions with in the organizational context of the ship. Although this context may substantially affect IDC job- related attitudes and behaviors, little is known about the shipboard organizational climate and its potential impact on IDCs. Across all Navy ships in the study, three general collective climate profiles were identified and were assigned the following labels to reflect the composite factor structures: Facilitative, Constrained, and Impoverished. Although modest, but statistically significant, associations were found between background/operational factors such as paygrade (E-6 vs. E7/8), deployment status, fleet, and ship type (surface vs. submarine) and climate perceptions and organizationally relevant outcomes such as job satisfaction, performance, and intention to reenlist. The shipboard organizational context exerts an important influence on the ability of the IDC to perform his duties. Facilitative shipboard environments, which are characterized by IDCs as having low Conflict and Ambiguity high Leader Facilitation, and high Autonomy, are associated with higher levels of job satisfaction, performance, and reenlistment intent. Facilitative climates could be promoted through appropriate Commanding Officer and Executive Officer orientation and strong Navy medical department support. Keywords: Medical personnel; Job satisfactory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA204013
Entities
People
- D. S. Nice
- Timothy P. Steele
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center