Organizational Climate Check – Open-Ended Survey Response Analysis for the American Association of Physicists In Medicine
Abstract
Purpose
Open-ended survey responses are extremely valuable since participants voluntarily share insights that they feel are necessary to express. The purpose of this study is to accurately reflect members’ perception of the AAPM climate, through analysis of open-ended survey responses to the 2021 AAPM Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) climate survey and the AAPM member demographics, activities, and structure.
Methods
The climate survey included an open-ended comment box on the climate of the national climate of AAPM as an organization. In the survey, 9.8% (136/1385) of participants commented on their experiences and perceptions of the association's climate. We applied a mixed-method analysis approach and an exploratory sequential design, using grounded theory for qualitative and quantitative analysis of member attributes.
Results
We present findings centered on the AAPM's culture, including members’ perceptions of access to participation in formal AAPM groups, their experiences with discrimination and political differences, and the association's efforts on EDI. Members expressed difficulties in joining and participating in AAPM committees, task groups and working groups. There is a perceived exclusion in groups based on race, ethnicity, and workplace. Members also expressed feelings of discrimination based on degree/highest education, academic vs. community/non-academic workplaces, and personal identity. Religious and political discrimination were also reported. Among the survey participants, some expressed appreciation for AAPM’s EDI efforts; others conveyed neutrality or did not support such efforts.
Conclusion
AAPM members shared their perceptions and experiences with the association via open-ended survey responses. Through this study, we presented the opportunities AAPM offers its members, history of relevant changes over time, and present gaps that remain. The survey data allow us to further understand the membership's needs and continue to improve as a professional association.