Environment for innovation: exploring associations with individual disposition toward change, organizational conflict, justice and trust

The environment in higher education and healthcare is rapidly changing. Adaptation through innovation is critical for organizations responsible for the education of healthcare providers. This study examined the climate for innovation at chiropractic colleges and health sciences universities offering a doctor of chiropractic program. The relationship between conflict, resistance to change, trust, justice, and climate for innovation was explored. Prior research involving these variables at chiropractic colleges or health sciences universities offering a doctor of chiropractic program is extremely limited. The chiropractic profession is experiencing significant challenges including market competition, internal conflict, and significant healthcare policy change. Adding to the dilemma, enrollment at chiropractic colleges has experienced a substantial decline over the past decade.

This study surveyed faculty at all chiropractic colleges and health science universities offering a doctor of chiropractic program in the United States and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. A response rate of nearly 50% was achieved. Data analysis showed higher levels of organizational trust and justice were associated with higher perceptions of climate for innovation. The relationship between justice and climate for innovation was not mediated by trust. Additionally, higher levels of resistance to change and increased conflict between administration and faculty were associated with lower perceptions of climate for innovation. The study findings offer insight for chiropractic colleges and health sciences universities offering a doctor of chiropractic program wishing to promote innovation.