Strategies to improve organizational climate in higher education institutions: a systematized literature review using the SALSA framework

This systematic literature review, utilizing the SALSA framework, investigates strategies to enhance organizational climate within higher education institutions (HEIs). It identifies key organizational factors and management practices that contribute to a favorable climate, impacting academic sustainability, job satisfaction, and staff commitment. The analysis, based on 22 studies from 2015-2026, focuses on dimensions such as leadership and governance, and organizational culture.

Why it matters

A positive organizational climate is crucial for the long-term viability and effectiveness of institutions, directly influencing the commitment of personnel and the overall quality of outputs. Understanding the factors that foster such an environment allows for targeted interventions to improve performance and retain talent.

Key insights

• Organizational climate in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is a strategic factor for academic sustainability, job satisfaction, and staff commitment.
• The study employed a systematized literature review based on the SALSA framework to identify relevant organizational factors and management practices.
• Searches were conducted in Scopus for articles published between 2015 and 2026, using terms related to organizational climate, leadership, quality culture, and human resource management in higher education.
• Out of 132 initial records, 22 studies were selected for inclusion based on relevance and methodological quality criteria adapted from MMAT.
• Information was organized into five dimensions, including leadership and governance, and organizational culture.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1932376