Mid Sweden University

The purpose of this paper is to present the development of a survey tool designed to examine the culture of an organization through the “eyes” of the employees. Organizations are looking to retain existing employees with the intention to secure quality. The retention of employees is essential to the success of an organization with the retention of employees for longer periods being ideal for effective organizational success and quality (Dechawantanapaisal, 2018; Sanchez-Cardona et al., 2021). Research has demonstrated that highly engaged employees are more likely to stay with an organization due to the strong personal connections that in many cases become a mutually beneficial relationship for both the employee and organization (Fletcher et al., 2018; Rafiq et al., 2019; Thakur & Bhatnagar, 2017). Furthermore, employees who identify with an organizations values and behaviors are more likely to stay connected to that organization (Sinek, 2009; Steiner et al., 2020). An employee's strong sense of belonging creates a cultural safety net and supports the long-term interest of the organization (Sinek, 2009). A positive attitude towards the organization and its values by the employee adds to engagement (Fletcher et al., 2018). Research has also shown that the improvement of employee well-being and support can reduce turnover which may lead to greater overall business performance. Examining the culture and behavior of the employees within an organization may lead to understanding the organizations' ability to retain the “right” people as well as a producing highquality product or service.

This study is based on the creation of a survey methodology in which a qualitative survey measuring employee ratings of educational quality, team quality, job satisfaction, belonging, collaboration, appreciation, agreement and trust, leadership strength will be created. The emergent design of the qualitative research process indicates that the first phase will have an initial plan but that this may shift or change as the research progresses and data collection begins (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). The qualitative survey is created as a test instrument to search for meaning and understanding in organizational culture and quality through the “eyes” of employees and extending this to the employees intention to stay. The survey parameters have been set using a prior conducted literature review focusing on “employee AND retention AND organizations AND intention to stay” which identified several areas as influencing the intention of employees to stay and on organizational quality. The analysis will present preliminary results from a test of a survey instrument. The conclusion of the analysis is still being developed at this time.

This presentation relates to SDG 8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, target – 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. For this conference the presentation directly relates to Track 10c, specifically organizational culture for sustainable quality and innovation.