A Case Study on the Organizational Culture of Local Government Colleges: Exploring Values, Practices and Challenges in Public Administration

Abstract

Organizational culture is a critical element that influences how employees interact, make decisions, and contribute to institutional goals. In academic settings, it shapes not only professional relationships but also the delivery of quality education and services. Understanding the challenges employees face in adapting to such culture provides valuable insight into areas for improvement in leadership and governance. This study explored the challenges of the employees on the organizational culture of one of the institutions in Misamis Occidental, Philippines. The participants were the 15 faculty and 15 staff who were selected using purposive sampling. Interview-guide questions was used in gathering the data which were analyzed using yin’s method of data analysis. Results revealed five (4) themes: core values as the foundation of a unified, ethical, and purpose-driven organizational culture; ethical leadership and core values in shaping organizational culture and governance; ethical leadership and inclusive governance amid structural and communication barriers; and values-driven organizational culture as a catalyst for academic excellence and service quality. A strong values-based organizational culture serves as a key driver in improving academic performance and service delivery through ethical role modeling and behavioral consistency. Leadership development initiatives may prioritize ethical training and value-based decision-making to strengthen governance and employee engagement.