An effect evalution of an intervention to improve the psychosocial work environment of a specific university unit

Abstract

This thesis evaluates the effects of a prolonged intervention effort implemented in a specific unit at a Norwegian university. The effort consisted of two interventions; the employeeship program and the health, safety and environment project. Interventions ran from early 2012, finishing late 2014/early 2015. The aim was to improve the psychosocial work environment, with emphasis on reducing widespread interpersonal conflicts. Data collected in fall 2012 and fall 2014, from a psychosocial work environment study involving the entire university, was used to evaluate effects. The unit was compared to the rest of the university on relevant variables over time. ANOVA showed a significant interaction effect for interpersonal conflicts, F(1, 6901) = 5.376, p =.020 - for the unit, interpersonal conflicts had decreased over time, whilst the same variable had increased for the rest of the university. A significant interaction effect was also found, F(1, 6936) = 5.282, p =.022, for social community. Whilst there was an increase in both groups, the unit had an increase so significant that they surpassed the university despite being lower on this variable in 2012. Other variables were largely unaffected. It is tentatively concluded that the interventions succeeded in their main goals of reducing interpersonal conflicts and in improving the collegial psychosocial climate. Effects that indicate that the efforts have resulted in a general increase in psychosocial resources are yet to be seen.