Culture, organizational learning and selected employee background variables in small‐size business enterprises

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between four independent variables educational level, longevity, type of enterprise, and gender and the dependent variable culture, as a dimension that explains organizational learning readiness in seven small‐size business enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory correlational research design was employed to survey 498 employees in seven small‐size business enterprises in the Southern and mid‐Western United States. Findings – Three pseudo‐interval variables (education, longevity, and type of enterprise) accounted for 15.3 percent of the variance in the dependent variable culture as a means to explain organizational learning readiness.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing results beyond the specific context of small‐size business enterprise may not be possible. Thus, the interpretations are limited to the seven small‐size business enterprises studied.

Practical implications

Certain types of enterprises form learning cultures conducive to organizational learning readiness more than do others. Also, seasoned employees may have developed a keen sense for detecting deficiencies within the learning infrastructure.

Originality/value

This study focused on variables not previously studied in small‐size business enterprises that explain organizational learning readiness. Thus, the results of this study will benefit the small‐size business entrepreneur interested in building a learning culture.

Citation

Graham, C.M. and Muyia Nafukho, F. (2007), "Culture, organizational learning and selected employee background variables in small‐size business enterprises", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 127-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590710734354