Organizational Culture and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in South East Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the influence of organizational culture on the performance of manufacturing firms in South-East Nigeria, with particular focus on organizational philosophy, organizational communication, and office practices. The study was derived from a broader investigation of the business environment and manufacturing firm performance. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted. The population comprised 2,176 employees of selected manufacturing firms, from which 471 respondents were sampled using Godden’s formula. A total of 460 valid questionnaires were retrieved, representing a 97.66% response rate. Data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis with SPSS Version 23. The findings revealed a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between overall organizational culture and firm performance (R = 0.821, R² = 0.673, F = 944.177, β = 0.821, t = 30.727, p < .001), indicating that organizational culture accounted for 67.3% of the variation in firm performance. The study concludes that organizational philosophy, organizational communication, and office practices constitute important dimensions of organizational culture for strengthening firm performance. It recommends that manufacturing firms develop adaptive managerial philosophies, effective communication systems, supportive office practices, and shared values aligned with organizational objectives.