Climate survey hits halfway point
by Scott Hopkins
Air Force Manpower and Innovation Agency
10/31/2003 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Since its launch Oct. 1, more than 25 percent of Air Force people have taken advantage of the opportunity to speak to their leaders through the 2003 Air Force Climate Survey.
The survey’s importance hinges on maximum participation, and the more people who participate, the better the results, officials said. The deadline is Nov. 23.
More than 65 percent of active-duty airmen and appropriated-fund civilians participated in the 2002 survey. For the first time, this year’s survey includes the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and nonappropriated-fund civilians.
“Our goal is to make things better for our people and our organizations,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper. “This is a great opportunity for you to provide direct feedback about how well your leadership and organizations are functioning.”
The survey gives leaders honest, identity-protected feedback about the organization from the people who make that organization work. It measures factors that influence people’s behavior and factors that are relatively enduring over time, officials said. Leaders at all levels can use this information to improve an organization’s climate and to ultimately improve its effectiveness and productivity.
As an integral communication link between leaders and enlisted airmen, the survey provides senior leaders insights into areas that need improving and areas that are doing well, officials said.
The survey also serves as an important link between senior leaders and civilians. Through the survey, civilians can voice their concerns and provide valuable information that can improve their organizations, officials said.
Aeronautical Systems Center officials at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, applied several new initiatives as a result of the feedback received from the 2002 survey. Officials from the center’s financial services office received a new telephone system with voice-mail capability, and they eliminated hardcopy travel vouchers, which stopped costly “assembly line” work when mailing out travel vouchers. Section workers developed an automated self-help tool for travelers that gave technicians more time to work complex inquiries.
These actions demonstrate participative leaders, officials said. According to published research, sound management practices lead to increased employee and customer satisfaction, loyalty, better retention and increased financial performance.
The 30-minute survey can be completed online at http://afclimatesurvey.af.mil anytime during the survey period from either a government or personal computer. People can also click on the Air Force Climate Survey link at Air Force Link, www.af.mil. |
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