Determining the relationship among organizational learning dimensions of a small‐size business enterprise

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of the study was to determine the type of relationships that existed among organizational learning dimensions studied. In addition, the study sought to establish whether the correlations were statistically significant at 0.05 and 0.01 levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a correlational quantitative research design. It has been established that quantitative methods enable researchers to conduct comparisons across individuals. The correlational research design was found appropriate since it enabled the researchers to determine if statistically significant correlations existed among the learning dimensions studied.

Findings

The results of the correlation analysis showed that the learning organization dimensions leadership and culture had the highest level of association, followed by correlations between rewards and recognition and culture. The correlations were statistically significant at 0.01. Meaning that for the small business unit studied to be successful in promoting organizational learning practices, leadership must assume the primary responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

Further research should include comparisons of organizational learning dimensions within small, medium and large business firms. Generality of this study's results will be limited due to the investigation of a single small‐size manufacturing enterprise. Qualitative research techniques could have been used to supplement the findings.

Originality/value

There are limited studies that focus on the issue of organizational learning within small‐size business enterprises.

Citation

Nafukho, F.M., Graham, C.M. and Muyia, M.H. (2009), "Determining the relationship among organizational learning dimensions of a small‐size business enterprise", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 32-51. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590910924360