The Relationship Between Organizational Climate and Job Satisfaction in Higher Education: The Mediating Role of Social Capital

This study aims to examine the relationship between organizational climate and job satisfaction through the mediating role of social capital. This study is a cross-sectional descriptive study that examined three variables using a sample of 353 faculty members from a Saudi public university. Correlation coefficients were obtained to test the hypotheses and the significance of the relationships. The findings reveal that Organizational climate is positively related to job satisfaction. As for the intervening role of social capital, this study found that social capital did not mediate the relationship between organizational climate and job satisfaction. There are some limitations that should be considered. First, using a sample from one university limits the generalizability to other universities. Second, cross-sectional doesn’t provide analysis of the behaviours and attitudes over a period to time. Future researchers should consider employing a longitudinal study with a large sample size from private and public universities. As for practical implications, academic institutions should encourage a supportive climate by translating organizational values into behaviours, enhancing positive leadership practices, and improving the work environment.