Work Climate Survey Validity and Reliability

The validity and reliability of the Work Climate Survey is determined by a number of factors, including the response rate, the percentage of employees surveyed and employees' abilities to answer questions with honesty. When thinking about the findings consider the following questions:

• How might input from employees who did not complete surveys have altered the survey findings? 

• Did employees answer honestly? Usually, the anonymous nature of the survey increases the likelihood of truthful responses.

• Did employees understand the questions? If not, how might confusion about the survey influence the findings?

Statistical analysis of past Work Climate Surveys indicate that the survey is both valid and reliable. If the past is an indicator, your work group is likely to find the questions appropriate and meaningful. Statistical analysis of scale reliability (coefficient alpha) indicate a high level of internal consistency across each of the three subscales (sense of community, shared vision and positive outlook). Perhaps most importantly, we have found that the questions identify actionable information. People have been able to use the results to assess and then enhance the climate. In addition, higher scores on the work climate scale, tend to correspond with other morale indicators such as absenteeism, turnover, teamwork and productivity.