Conceptual delimitations and theoretical perspectives on university organizational culture

Abstract

This article examines the need to clarify the concept of organizational culture in higher
education, highlighting the diversity of theoretical interpretations and the need for a
comprehensive definition in the specialized literature. The study presents the results of a
theoretical analysis of key approaches, models, and perspectives on organizational culture,
with particular attention to the specific characteristics of the university environment, shaped
by academic values, institutional norms, professional traditions, and distinctive patterns of
interaction within the academic community. The research draws on conceptual frameworks
from educational management and the sociology of organizations, focusing on the structural
components of organizational culture, including values, beliefs, symbols, practices, and
behavioral patterns that influence the functioning and development of higher education
institutions. It also seeks to clarify the concept by distinguishing it from related notions such
as organizational climate, institutional identity, and academic ethos. The findings help
clarify the conceptual framework of organizational culture in universities and provide a
foundation for future research on its role in improving educational quality, strengthening
university management, and advancing higher education.