Does Academic Work Environment in Thailand Private Universities Affect the Organizational Commitment of Lecturers?

Abstract

This study examines how the academic work environment influences lecturers' job performance and organizational commitment among private university academicians in Thailand. The paper presents that the perception of organizational climate has a significant effect on some academics' job performance, revealing that the perception of organizational climate is positively related to the job performance of many senior academics and junior academics than those with middle level of experience and academic ranks. It also presents a strong relationship between organizational climate and organizational commitment. Climate dimensions, such as coworkers' behavior, the job itself, and freedom are significantly related to organizational commitment. It also presents that supervisors' behavior, facilities, academic environment, teaching and research, job security, and administration duties are not significant factors influencing lecturers' positive attitude toward the respective organization. Thus, findings and implications can provide valuable insights for educational policymakers and university administrators in Thailand. University administrators can focus more on academic freedom, workload, and conflict among coworkers to improve lectures' educational practices and related positive outcomes.