Innovative Organizational Atmosphere and School Culture: a Qualitative Study

The purpose of the present study was to identify and designate the phenomena of the culture and organization atmosphere in favor of innovation in high school in order to produce an appropriate conceptual framework and develop a theoretical foundation of the schools. To achieve this purpose, a qualitative studywas conductedthrough using phenomenological procedures. The population includes university professors, prominent high school principals, and outstanding teachers in Tehran. Thirty-seven persons as messengers (information senders) were chosen among all participants based on purposeful sampling. The data analysis was based on the analysis of inductive content analysis and it was based on coding at three level of open, central, and selective. The results and findings indicated that the categories or fundamental dimensions of culture and organization atmosphere in favor of innovation include: 1) research-centered culture, 2) culture supporting innovation, 3) mutual relationship and respect, 4) creativity and innovation character, and 5) the critique and criticizing culture. Therefore, the findingsindicate thatbased onidentified school indicators, the teachers and staffs can pave the way for the innovative activitiesby providing a culture and organization atmosphere in favor of innovation in high schools.