Performance-based classification of container ports using fuzzy clustering and analysis of organizational climate dimensions

Abstract

This study aims to classify container ports in Turkey according to their operational performance levels and to analyze differences in organizational climate perceptions among employees across distinct performance groups. Key performance criteria were identified through a literature review. Hierarchical cluster analysis and fuzzy C-means clustering were applied to 18 Turkish container ports, yielding two distinct performance groups. A survey using the nine-dimension Organizational Climate Measure (OCM) was administered to employees at four ports, and independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare climate perceptions between performance groups. The clustering analysis revealed two distinct port performance groups. Employees in the high-performance group reported significantly more positive organizational climate perceptions across eight of nine dimensions, participation, communication, emphasis on training, interdepartmental integration, supervisory support, employee welfare, job motivation, and reward systems, compared to those in the standard-performance group. Autonomy did not differ significantly between groups. Organizational climate plays a decisive role in port performance. While autonomy alone does not directly influence performance outcomes in this sector, participative management, effective communication, training investment, interdepartmental collaboration, supervisory support, employee welfare, job motivation, and reward systems collectively serve as robust predictors of operational performance. Port managers should adopt integrated human resource strategies to sustain competitive advantage. Port managers seeking to improve organizational performance should prioritize cultivating a supportive and participatory work environment. Strengthening communication channels, encouraging employee involvement in decision-making, enhancing supervisory support, and implementing equitable reward mechanisms are critical factors that distinguish high-performing ports. Targeted interventions addressing specific climate dimensions will yield more meaningful and lasting operational improvements than uniform management approaches.