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Using the learning organization questionnaire in combination with latent profile analysis: an example on how to identify latent classes in an organization to improve learning potential

Leili Tapak (Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Modeling of Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran)
Yadollah Hamidi (Department of Health Management and Economics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran)
Zahra Toosi (Department of Health Management and Economics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran and Department of Health Management and Economics, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran)

The Learning Organization

ISSN: 0969-6474

Article publication date: 31 May 2024

33

Abstract

Purpose

Learning organization (LO) concept has received much attention in the last decades. The purpose of an LO is to proactively shape its future by fostering a culture of continuous learning among its members. This approach empowers the organization to adapt, evolve and innovate, aligning with the needs and aspirations of both internal and external stakeholders. As a result, the assessment of an organization’s LO level, whether strong or weak, becomes a matter of significance. This study aims to use Senge’s LO Questionnaire (SLOQ) in conjunction with latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify latent classes within the organization. This approach seeks to enhance the organization‘s learning potential and facilitate its evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was a cross-sectional study conducted at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The statistical population consisted of 451 managers and employees across seven departments based at the university headquarters. The sample included 295 individuals, and data was collected using the SLOQ.

Findings

The LPA has shown an excellent accuracy (97%) in identifying SLOQ cut-off points (three classes of good, moderate and low). Most of the participants are considered as a moderate LO (55.9%), which implies the possibility of improving learning, especially enhancing “common vision” and “systemic thinking.” Also, individuals belonging to the high-class category were more likely to be male and hold associate degree than individuals in other categories.

Research limitations/implications

This study depends on self-report, and different perceptions of questions can cause percept bias. Another limitation is about the nature of this research, which is cross-sectional, which may bring back causality among variables. The other is only three demographic variables have been considered, and it is necessary to pay attention to other influential variables in future studies.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in its use of the SLOQ in combination with LPA to identify latent classes in an organization to improve learning potentials.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge all participants in this research. This study was part of a MPH thesis in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (NO. 9511126750), Iran. The authors wish to express their gratitude to Dr Vajihe Ramezani-Doroh to enhance this research.

Ethics declarations: Ethics approval and consent to participate. The study was approved by ethics committee at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSHA.REC.1395.475). Participation was voluntary. Written Informed consent was obtained and confidentiality kept.

Funding: This study was supported by Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (Grant number: 9511126750).

Citation

Tapak, L., Hamidi, Y. and Toosi, Z. (2024), "Using the learning organization questionnaire in combination with latent profile analysis: an example on how to identify latent classes in an organization to improve learning potential", The Learning Organization, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-03-2023-0049

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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