RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND DEPARTMENTAL CLIMATE IN BRITISH UNIVERSITIES

In recent years, university departments in the United Kingdom have bee n externally rated according to their effectiveness in terms of resear ch excellence. Organizational science research into the determinants o f effective organizational performance has suggested a link between cl imate and effectiveness. This study therefore investigated this possib le link by examining the relationship between university departmental climate and research excellence rating. A longitudinal design was used which involved gathering climate data from academics in 16 department s in 14 universities in 1992 and again in 1994. These cl;mate measures were related to external Higher Education Funding Council ratings of research excellence made in 1989 and 1992. These departmental ratings predicted subsequent departmental climate, particularly in members' de scriptions of degree of formalization, support for career development and support for innovation. Dimensions of climate, however, did not pr edict as strongly subsequent research excellence rating. It appears th at climate may be an outcome as much as a cause of rated effectiveness , at least in this context.