Enabling organisational congruency? A critical examination of character, culture and strategic intent at the University of Chester
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Higher Education (HE) in England has been subject to significant change over the past 20 years, with most recent concerns including the sector’s long-term future as financial pressures reach a critical point in many institutions. Set against a challenging, arguably neoliberal environment, and using a mixed methods approach, I critically examine the character, culture and strategic intent of one university – the University of Chester (UoC). As an insider researcher, and through utilising an adapted version of the Organisational Character Index (OCI) (Bridges, 2000) with 75% (n=47) of UoC middle managers, I assert that the organisational character type for UoC is ISTJ and the organisational shadow is ENFP. Using this data, alongside analysis from an in-depth interview with the current Vice Chancellor, three key contributions to knowledge are noted; 1) A proposed model of character influence on organisational congruence; 2) The novel application of the Organisational Character Index to a university; and 3) The important identification of the ambivert organisation. Recommendations for germane training and development are offered for UoC, alongside opportunities for further research.Citation
Simpson, K. (2025). Enabling organisational congruency? A critical examination of character, culture and strategic intent at the University of Chester [Unpublished doctoral thesis]. University of Chester.Publisher
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