# Culture surveys seen as opportunity for organizational success

/ Published March 26, 2024
FORT BELVOIR, Va., 
As new Defense Logistics Agency director Army Lt. Gen. Mark T. Simerly visits DLA locations to introduce himself, he is communicating two of his priorities for DLA — people and culture.

At the same time, DLA culture champions have begun sharing the findings from the agency’s latest Culture and Climate Survey and the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey with their organizations. DLA Human Resources Director Sharyn Saunders and the Culture and Employee Experience Team also briefed DLA leaders on the enterprise-wide results of both surveys and compared them with the results from each survey’s prior iterations. Overall, the results demonstrate a nuanced picture of progress and engagement within the agency.

## 2023 Culture and Climate Survey

                2003 DLA Culture Survey results show areas of improvement across the enterprise as measured by Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA ranked in the bottom one-third of all organizations surveyed. Feedback from DLA employees translated into scores that ranged between 27 (Creating Change) and 40 (Organizational Learning, Strategic Direction & Intent, and Vision).                            Culture Surveys Seen as Opportunity for Organizational Success                            2003 DLA Culture Survey results show areas of improvement across the enterprise as measured by Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA ranked in the bottom one-third of all organizations surveyed. Feedback from DLA employees translated into scores that ranged between 27 (Creating Change) and 40 (Organizational Learning, Strategic Direction & Intent, and Vision).            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: CourtesyVIRIN: 240326-D-D0441-1001                2023 DLA Culture Survey results show a slight decline from the 2020 survey, but overall culture is still strong as measured in the areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA still ranks in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed, with scores ranging from 61 (Creating Change) to 81 (Team Orientation).                            Culture Surveys Seen as Opportunity for Organizational Success                            2023 DLA Culture Survey results show a slight decline from the 2020 survey, but overall culture is still strong as measured in the areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA still ranks in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed, with scores ranging from 61 (Creating Change) to 81 (Team Orientation).            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: CourtesyVIRIN: 240326-D-D0441-1004Reflecting on DLA’s evolution in its Culture and Climate Survey, Saunders noted the agency has climbed from the bottom third of Denison’s global benchmarks in 2003 to the top third by 2023. She called the steady ascent a testament to leaders’ focused efforts on culture development, agile execution, and workforce empowerment.

“DLA has made significant strides in its commitment to excellence and organizational growth through enhancing its culture and climate,” Saunders said. “Insights from these surveys highlight the integral role of culture in driving exceptional performance.”

While there have been decreases in some areas surveyed, these declines are all within a few percentage points. Despite these declines, the general trend since the 2018 survey shows a net gain in results.

                2018 DLA Culture Survey results show consistent scores across the enterprise in the measured areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. Feedback from DLA employees translated into scores that ranged between 54 (Creating Change) and 74 (Empowerment and Agreement).                            Culture Surveys Seen as Opportunity for Organizational Success                            2018 DLA Culture Survey results show consistent scores across the enterprise in the measured areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. Feedback from DLA employees translated into scores that ranged between 54 (Creating Change) and 74 (Empowerment and Agreement).            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: CourtesyVIRIN: 240326-D-D0441-1002                2020 DLA Culture Survey results show enterprise-wide growth across the measured areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. Employee feedback indicates an overall organizational culture that is strong with DLA ranking in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed. DLA scores ranged between 65 (Creating Change) and 82 (Team Orientation and Agreement).                            Culture Surveys Seen as Opportunity for Organizational Success                            2020 DLA Culture Survey results show enterprise-wide growth across the measured areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. Employee feedback indicates an overall organizational culture that is strong with DLA ranking in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed. DLA scores ranged between 65 (Creating Change) and 82 (Team Orientation and Agreement).            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: CourtesyVIRIN: 240326-D-D0441-1003                2023 DLA Culture Survey results show a slight decline from the 2020 survey, but overall culture is still strong as measured in the areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA still ranks in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed, with scores ranging from 61 (Creating Change) to 81 (Team Orientation).                            Culture Surveys Seen as Opportunity for Organizational Success                            2023 DLA Culture Survey results show a slight decline from the 2020 survey, but overall culture is still strong as measured in the areas of Adaptability, Mission, Consistency, and Involvement. DLA still ranks in the top one-third of all organizations surveyed, with scores ranging from 61 (Creating Change) to 81 (Team Orientation).            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: CourtesyVIRIN: 240326-D-D0441-1004“DLA shines amidst challenges, showcasing exceptional performance by outperforming over 71% of organizations over the 12 key areas of the global rankings,” said AJ Jones, DLA Human Resources’ staff director for strategic workforce planning and data analytics. “These global rankings underscore the agency's robust capabilities and leadership in the logistics supply chain sector, reaffirming DLA leaders’ commitment to excellence.”

## 2023 FEVS

Compared to other federal entities, the 2023 FEVS shows strong results in several key climate areas, including employee engagement; performance confidence; and diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. DLA outperformed the Defense Department and other government agency averages in Core Index Scores, indicating a positive organizational climate and employee experience.

On average, the scores are similar to DLA’s 2022 FEVS results. However, DLA’s FEVS response rate was only 25%, which is lower than the 39% average governmentwide. In comparison, the DLA culture survey had a 62% response rate.

## Looking Ahead

“The feedback we received from the Culture Survey and FEVS is invaluable,” Saunders added. “It helps us pinpoint where we stand and where we need to go. Our next steps involve not just addressing the declines, but also capitalizing on strengths like our unwavering support for the warfighter.”

Simerly said he views the surveys as a reflective tool that underscores the importance of organizational learning and team orientation.

"The culture surveys are more than a metric; they’re a mirror reflecting our agency's spirit,” he said. “Our remarkable improvement in areas like organizational learning and team orientation are milestones on our journey of excellence. But mission is our North Star, and the slight declines in mission-related areas are a call for renewed focus and vigor."

Recalling his time as the commander for DLA Troop Support, Simerly stressed the importance of the surveys in shaping a constructive organizational culture. He said he believes setting a clear vision and expectations for culture are necessary to meeting DLA's goals.

With nearly 15,000 employees participating in the DLA Culture and Climate Survey, Simerly said the results affirm a strong, balanced culture and climate that support the transformational approach set forth in the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan. He pointed to high ratings in team empowerment and cross-functional collaboration as well as the presence of outcome-based targets that underscore a more engaged and effective workforce.

DLA Vice Director Brad Bunn noted the DLA survey also identifies areas for further improvement, such as enhancing leadership connections and developing employee programs.

“This journey of transformation over the past two decades has seen DLA not only navigate the challenges posed by a global pandemic, but also excel in creating change and fostering empowerment,” Bunn said.

Simerly and Bunn acknowledged the slight declines in mission-related areas as opportunities for further enhancement.

Jessica Darrow, an industrial and organizational psychologist in DLA Human Resources, pointed out that DLA is recognized for its exceptional organizational learning culture, ranking in the 79th percentile of more than 1,000 organizations worldwide.

“This is a testament to our commitment to creating a psychologically safe environment,” Darrow said. “This environment encourages a learning-oriented approach to mistakes and failures, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than reasons for blame. Such a culture not only enhances psychological safety, but also significantly boosts teamwork and empowerment among employees.”

Simerly is particularly focused on ensuring leaders at all levels understand their role in shaping and reinforcing the DLA’s culture. He said he plans to keep culture and climate at the forefront of DLA's mission through town halls, executive conferences, and individual conversations.

The director added that DLA is poised for continued growth, with strategic initiatives focused on reinforcing mission alignment, developing professional skills, and promoting communication and collaboration. He added that these efforts, guided by the insightful feedback from the surveys, are designed to further cement DLA's role as a leader in the defense sector, committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.