Measuring achievement of learning organizations in construction

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to the LEONARDO diagnostic tool which assists organizations in determining their current level of achievement towards a learning culture.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of the analytical hierarchy process and the Delphi technique, the research obtained the critical questions for evaluating an organization's investment and progress towards achieving a learning culture. The questions are categorized based on five areas of a learning culture and three levels of learning within an organization. These questions are translated into a web‐based diagnostic that is validated and released for use by engineering and construction organizations.

Findings

The paper provides an overview of the LEONARDO diagnostic tool including the mathematical weighting system employed for scoring organization progress and investment, the web‐based availability, and the evaluation report card provided to users. The paper also provides a summary of the validation process including how organizations used the tool to determine internal learning progress.

Research limitations/implications

The study obtained input primarily from large organizations and may not fully represent the entire engineering and construction industry perspective.

Practical implications

The study provides a tool that assists any organization in advancing towards a learning culture that is a requirement for remaining competitive in a changing engineering marketplace.

Originality/value

The paper provides an introduction to how to achieve a learning organization as an advance over collecting and managing knowledge. This is the beginning of a movement toward the next stage in achieving success within the knowledge era.

Citation

Chinowsky, P.S., Molenaar, K. and Bastias, A. (2007), "Measuring achievement of learning organizations in construction", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 215-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980710744872