An empirical examination of the relationship between scientists' work environment and research performance

This research is an empirical examination of the relationship between organizational characteristics and scientific research effectiveness. A sample of research-active scientists ( N =295) from 25 biological and chemical science university research departments took part in this study. Data were collected using the Organizational Culture Survey ( Glaser et al., 1987 ), which measures six organizational characteristics of the research environment. Organizational characteristics are analysed across a measure of departmental research performance. Results support the hypothesis that specific characteristics of the organizational environment are related to research performance. The implications of these findings for the existing literature and the future management and organization of scientific research departments are discussed.