Organizational climate, does it affect work stress? comparison between public health and safety officials

Abstract

Purpose: this research seeks to know the effect of organizational climate on work stress by comparing health care and safety public officials. Design/methodology: the sample corresponds to 321 officials of public institutions, two cases were studied: the first considers health care public officials (n=186) and the second security public officials (n=135), to analyze if there are differences between the two work areas. The study is cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational. The data were obtained through the application of a survey that integrates two questionnaires: organizational climate (Koys and Decottis, 1991, adapted and validated by Chiang, Salazar, Huerta and Núñez, 2008) and questionnaire of work stress (Karasek, 1979). Results: the hypothesis proposed in this study is fulfilled, since work stress is affected by the organizational climate, but at different degrees depending on the factors and type of employee. Implications: the support dimension of the organizational climate affects stress mainly in the health care and the innovation dimension affects more public security officials. Originality/value: the variables under study can interfere in the development of the employees' work, reason why their analysis is relevant to achieve a good management of human resources, in order to meet the objectives and goals of the organization.