The Influence of Organizational Culture on the Performance of Higher Education Institutions

This study explored how organizational culture influences organizational performance among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Region XII, Philippines. Using a quantitative, non-experimental design with descriptive and correlational methods, the research focused on four key cultural indicators—empowerment, team orientation, capability development, and core values—and examined their impact on six performance dimensions. A total of 397 randomly selected full-time faculty and administrative staff participated in the survey. Validated tools, adapted from Zwaan (2006) and the Sri Lanka Standards Institution's Quality Management framework, were used to assess culture and performance. Reliability was confirmed through expert validation and pilot testing. Findings revealed that both organizational culture and performance were consistently observed at very high levels, with team orientation and empowerment leading among the cultural traits. Performance metrics such as leadership, planning, and continuous improvement also scored very high, reflecting effective strategic and operational practices. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between organizational culture and performance, while regression analysis confirmed that empowerment, team orientation, and core values significantly influenced performance. However, capability development did not show a notable impact, suggesting potential gaps in implementation or delayed effects. These results suggest that HEIs with strong collaborative cultures, shared values, and empowered staff are more likely to achieve high performance. The study recommends continued investment in leadership development and strategic human resource initiatives to sustain institutional effectiveness. Overall, the findings support the importance of fostering a values-driven, people-centered culture in higher education settings.