The Impact of Organisational Culture on School Communication

Justin Smith explores the vital role that a school’s organisational culture plays in shaping communication, collaboration and overall staff engagement within educational settings

 We would all agree that effective school communication is essential for fostering collaboration, trust and alignment among staff. But have you ever considered how a school’s organisational culture influences the way educators communicate? The beliefs, values and behaviours embedded within a school environment impact everything from staff discussions to decision-making and leadership interactions.

In this article, I’m exploring how school culture shapes communication, the role of psychological safety, the influence of leadership and the importance of trust, commitment and loyalty in educational settings.

The Impact of Organisational Culture on Staff Communication

A school’s organisational culture sets the tone for how staff interact and share ideas. In open, inclusive cultures, teachers and support staff feel encouraged to voice their opinions and collaborate. However, in hierarchical or rigid environments, communication may become more restricted, leading to siloed working, reduced engagement and potential misunderstandings.

Key factors that influence communication within school culture include:

Values and mission: Schools with clearly defined values foster alignment and a shared sense of purpose.

Norms and expectations: The way staff meetings, emails and day-to-day conversations unfold often reflects the broader culture.

Leadership approach: How school leaders communicate sets the precedent for others. Are they approachable, transparent and open to feedback?

A positive culture creates an environment where open dialogue is the norm, empowering staff to contribute meaningfully to school improvement.

Encouraging Open and Honest Dialogue

Do staff feel comfortable speaking openly in your school? Transparency is essential for innovation, problem-solving and a positive work environment. Yet, some schools struggle with communication barriers, including fear of judgment or reluctance to share concerns. To foster honest and open communication, schools should:

Encourage feedback: Create opportunities for staff to share ideas through surveys, forums, or regular check-ins.

Celebrate diverse perspectives: Recognise that different experiences and viewpoints enrich discussions.

Ensure confidentiality when necessary: Staff should feel safe sharing concerns without fear of consequences.

When open communication is embedded in the school culture, staff engagement and job satisfaction increase, leading to better outcomes for both teachers and students.

The Role of Psychological Safety in School Communication

Author and Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, Amy Edmondson posited the value of psychological safety in the development of high performing teams. Psychological safety refers to the confidence individuals have in expressing themselves without fear of embarrassment, punishment, or dismissal. In schools, this is critical for effective communication, particularly when discussing challenges or proposing innovative ideas.

Research highlighted in Academic Medicine emphasises the importance of psychological safety in learning environments. The study indicates that when educators and students feel safe to express ideas without fear of negative consequences, it fosters open communication, innovation and effective collaboration.

Google came to the same conclusion with Project Aristotle, deducing that psychological safety was the most important aspect of team dynamics when it comes to high performance.

Research highlights that teams with high psychological safety are more collaborative, creative, and resilient. When staff feel secure in speaking up, it leads to:

Stronger professional relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

A culture of continuous improvement, where educators feel empowered to suggest new teaching methods.

Increased staff wellbeing, reducing stress linked to unclear expectations or lack of support.

School leaders play a key role in fostering this environment by listening actively, responding constructively, and modelling openness to feedback.

Leadership’s Influence on Communication and Culture

School leaders shape organisational culture through their words, actions and behaviours. Whether consciously or unconsciously, they set the standard for how staff interact.

Effective leadership involves:

Visible modelling: Leaders should demonstrate transparency, active listening, and respectful dialogue.

Encouraging collaboration: Creating spaces for team discussions, cross-departmental meetings and peer mentoring.

Providing clarity: Clear communication about goals, expectations and policies prevents confusion.

When leaders prioritise strong communication, they foster a culture of trust, engagement and shared responsibility – all of which are essential in education.

Building Trust, Commitment and Loyalty in Schools

A strong school culture is built on trust. When staff trust leadership and their colleagues, communication flourishes. Without trust, miscommunication and disengagement become prevalent.

Key elements that foster trust in schools include:

Consistency: Leaders and staff should align their actions with the school’s values.

Transparency: Open discussions about decisions, policies and changes create a sense of security.

Recognition: Acknowledging staff contributions strengthens commitment and morale.

When trust is established, educators are more committed to the school’s vision, feel a greater sense of belonging and are more likely to collaborate effectively.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Culture of Effective Communication

A school’s organisational culture plays a crucial role in shaping how staff communicate, collaborate, and engage with one another. By fostering open dialogue, psychological safety, strong leadership and trust, schools can create an environment where educators feel valued and empowered.