Organization Culture and Leadership in the Department of Safeguards

Currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Department of Safeguards is facing unprecedented challenges in the form of an increasing workload and a rapidly changing external environment while maintaining a relatively static level of resources. Under these demanding circumstances, it is imperative that staff in the Department feel motivated to perform their best. Contemporary research in organizational behavior shows that this can be achieved through nurturing an organizational culture where staff feel treated fairly, are recognized for their efforts and achievements, and are provided with opportunities for improving their skills and expertise that will help in contributing to their professional growth and career advancement. In addition, studies done suggest that staff perform best when being directed, guided and mentored by competent, communicative as well as compassionate leaders. To enhance such leadership qualities and establish a sustainable organizational culture within his Department, several initiatives were launched by Tero Varjoranta, the current Deputy Director General of the IAEA Department of Safeguards. This paper provides an overview of the initiatives that were introduced and implemented since October 2013, the results achieved so far, as well as the imperatives for the future.