The learning organization: variations at different organizational levels

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of managers, supervisors, and employees from different organizations relevant to the seven dimensions of a learning organization (LO), and the two dimensions of knowledge and financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 143 organizational members from different levels of four organizations were measured and compared using the Dimensions of a Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ).

Findings

ANOVA results indicated significant effects for level and organization for the LO dimensions and the two performance dimensions. The results indicated significant differences across levels for two of the learning dimensions (empowerment and system connections), and across organizations for six of the learning dimensions including all except continuous learning. The results for the performance dimensions showed managers higher than supervisors and employees on financial performance, and managers higher than employees on knowledge performance. The results also showed variations in the performance dimensions across organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicated variations across levels and across organizations that may hinder progress toward a learning organization and performance improvements. Practical implications include the need for more communication and participation across all levels of the organization, improved access to and sharing of information at lower levels, and empowering employees to use information for decision making.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the paucity of research on the perceptions of disparate groups relevant to the learning organization and organizational performance. It identifies an important area of research by identifying a potential road‐block for organizations attempting to adopt a learning organization culture.

Citation

Weldy, T.G. and Gillis, W.E. (2010), "The learning organization: variations at different organizational levels", The Learning Organization, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 455-470. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696471011059831