Although the effects of organizational culture, climate and
person-environment fit have been widely studied in the general population,
little research exists in this area regarding consumers of mental health
services. This research focuses on organizational culture, climate and
person-environment fit and their relationship to employment outcomes for mental
health consumers. It also examines specific components of organizational
culture which are both desired and perceived by mental health consumers.
Thirty-six (
$N=36$
) consumers were recruited into one of two
groups: individuals who were employed at the time of the study and those who
had recently left their jobs. Instruments used were the Workplace Climate
Questionnaire (WCQ) and the Organizational Culture Profile (OCP). Significant
differences were found between groups along the dimensions of organizational
culture/climate and person-environment fit. Although few differences were found
between groups with regards to desired workplace characteristics, many
differences in perceived characteristics were found. The findings point to the
importance of assessing the organizational culture/climate and its congruence
with individuals' value systems as part of the work integration process.
