Learning organization as a framework for networks’ learning and collaboration
ISSN: 0969-6474
Article publication date: 12 July 2021
Issue publication date: 28 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to use Watkins and Marsick model of a learning organization (1993, 1996), the dimensions of the learning organization questionnaire as a framework for interdisciplinary network collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
The research team used a mixed-methods approach for data collection. Survey data was collected from 181 networks. In addition, data was collected from two focus groups with six participants each.
Findings
Results, in general, showed that the learning organization culture could be used as a framework for interdisciplinary network collaboration. In particular, results showed that shared vision, imbedded systems and knowledge sharing were key driving forces required for successful collaboration.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretical and practical implications were discussed, and conditions for learning organization culture for networks were established.
Originality/value
People in a network era need more than training; they need ongoing, interdisciplinary, collaborative support to solve complex problems. Organizations can only work effectively if barriers to organizational learning were removed. This originality of this paper lies in applying learning organization framework at the network level.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research study is part of a research project funded by a grant from National Science Foundation (NSF 1841905). The data were collected by the N2N GOM research team at the University of Texas A&M under the directorship of Jack Baldauf, PhD. Title of the main project: An International Network-to-Network Approach to Generating New Scientific Community Collaborations in the Gulf of Mexico and Surrounding Region – A Case Study. Funding supported the researchers work on study design, collecting data using an online survey, conducting focus group interviews and data translation and transcription.
Citation
Dirani, K., Baldauf, J., Medina-Cetina, Z., Wowk, K., Herzka, S., Bello Bolio, R., Gutierrez Martinez, V. and Munoz Ubando, L.A. (2021), "Learning organization as a framework for networks’ learning and collaboration", The Learning Organization, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 428-443. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-05-2020-0089
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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