The Relationship Among Organizational Culture, Workplace Climate, and Job Satisfaction Among Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapists in the United States

Authors

  • Steven N. Waller University of Tennessee- Knoxville
  • Angela Wozencroft University of Tennessee-Knoxville
  • Jason L. Scott University of Tennessee-Knoxville
  • Ashley Hamilton University of Tennessee-Knoxville

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2026-V60-I1-12947

Keywords:

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRSs), organizational culture, organizational climate, job satisfaction, therapeutic recreation/recreational therapy

Abstract

Literature in recreational therapy (RT), highlights employee and organizational benefits associated with organizational culture, climate, and job satisfaction yet limited research examines employee perceptions of the relationships among these factors. An e-survey distributed through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) examined Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists’ (N=260) perceptions of how the culture and climate of RT organizations impacted job satisfaction. Results indicated that culture and climate in RT organizations were positively associated with job satisfaction which was linked to the nature of work, the relationships in the workplace, communications, and supervisory-employee relationships. No significant differences were found by sector nor number of years in the profession. Findings noted that the workplace culture and climate were good predictors of one’s job satisfaction and sense of thriving was tied to on-the-job-learning. Study limitations, direction for future research, and practice implications are presented.

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Published

2026-02-16

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Quantitative Papers

License

Sagamore Publishing LLC (hereinafter the “Copyright Owner”)

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