Showing papers in "The Learning Organization in 2015"
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of organizational learning (OL) on the firm's performance and knowledge management (KM) practices in a heavy engineering organization in India has been investigated, and the findings showed that all the factors of OL, i.e., collaboration and team working, performance management, autonomy and freedom, reward and recognition and achievement orientation were found to be the positive predictors of different dimensions of the firm’s performance and KM practices.
Abstract: Purpose – The study aims at investigating the impact of organizational learning (OL) on the firm’s performance and knowledge management (KM) practices in a heavy engineering organization in India. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected from 205 middle and senior executives working in the project engineering management division of a heavy engineering public sector organization. The organization manufactures power generation equipment. Questionnaires were administered to collect the data from the respondents. Findings – Results were analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis techniques. The findings showed that all the factors of OL, i.e. collaboration and team working, performance management, autonomy and freedom, reward and recognition and achievement orientation were found to be the positive predictors of different dimensions of firm’s performance and KM practices. Research limitations/implications – The implications are discussed to improve the OL cult...
134 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relevance of the learning organization for organizations in different generalized organizational contexts is examined and a number of context-adapted models of learning organization are suggested. But, they do not consider the generalization of the original learning organization to different organizational contexts, such as public organizations, safety organizations, human service organizations and knowledge intensive organizations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purposes of this paper are to take a closer look at the relevance of the idea of the learning organization for organizations in different generalized organizational contexts; to open up for the existence of multiple, context-adapted models of the learning organization; and to suggest a number of such models. Design/methodology/approach – The suggested context-adapted models are deduced from works arguing that not all aspects of the idea of the learning organization should be adopted by organizations in some certain generalized organizational contexts. Findings – The idea of the learning organization needs to be reformulated, to some extent, to become fully relevant for public organizations, safety organizations, human service organizations and knowledge-intensive organizations. Research limitations/implications – To achieve a more inclusive contingency model than presented in this article, there is a need for further research examining the (full) relevance of the original learning organizati...
47 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors performed integrative literature review of the learning organization (LO) concept, on the basis of the results of the literature review to assess the concept on the principles of good theory, and provide future avenues for LO concept clarification and development.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to perform integrative literature review of the learning organisation (LO) concept, on the basis of the results of the literature review to assess the concept on the principles of “good” theory, and provide future avenues for LO concept clarification and development. Design/methodology/approach – The “good” theory properties approach is used to present, synthesise and discuss studies that focus on the LO. The paper reviews in more detail the definitions (Who? and What?), the domain (When? and Where?), the relationships (How? and Why?) and the predictions by the LO theory (Would? Should? and Could?). Findings – The review revealed that the LO violates the properties of the “good” theory, especially the definitions’ and relationships’ properties. As a result, it is suggested for the research in the future to be focused on creation of formal conceptual definitions, development of ontology as a base for clarification of the relationship property and improve the instrumen...
40 citations
TL;DR: A cloud-based solution that enables organizations to monitor and analyse the performance of their business processes by means of Big Data technology, and develops different Big-Data-based approaches that aim to gain visibility into process performance.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present a solution that enables organizations to monitor and analyse the performance of their business processes by means of Big Data technology. Business process improvement can drastically influence in the profit of corporations and helps them to remain viable. However, the use of traditional Business Intelligence systems is not sufficient to meet today ' s business needs. They normally are business domain-specific and have not been sufficiently process-aware to support the needs of process improvement-type activities, especially on large and complex supply chains, where it entails integrating, monitoring and analysing a vast amount of dispersed event logs, with no structure, and produced on a variety of heterogeneous environments. This paper tackles this variability by devising different Big-Data-based approaches that aim to gain visibility into process performance. Design/methodology/approach – Authors present a cloud-based solution that leverages (BD) technology to provid...
36 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the antecedents of knowledge sharing behavior by embedding trust and workplace spirituality variable on non-academic staff from higher learning institution in Malaysia were investigated by applying confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.
Abstract: Purpose – This empirical research aims to, to add value in the existing research on knowledge sharing, investigate the antecedents of knowledge-sharing behaviour by embedding trust and workplace spirituality variable on non-academic staff from higher learning institution in Malaysia. The role of trust, perceived risk and workplace spirituality towards knowledge-sharing behaviour has attracted significant attention from researchers and practitioners to facilitate the culture of knowledge sharing in organization settings. Design/methodology/approach – The units of analysis include non-academic staffs who are currently working in different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Apart from descriptive study, this research applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings – The result revealed that there is a strong relationship between workplace spirituality and knowledge-sharing behaviour. On the other hand, the perceived risk variables partially mediate the association betw...
36 citations
TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors examined the effects of organizational learning on innovation and performance among 287 listed Chinese companies and found a positive association between organizational learning dimensions and firm performance (both objective financial performance and perceptual innovation measure).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for studying organizational learning, firm innovation and firm financial performance. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the effects of organizational learning on innovation and performance among 287 listed Chinese companies. Findings – The results indicate a positive association between organizational learning dimensions and firm performance (both objective financial performance and perceptual innovation measure). Research limitations/implications – The sample includes only firms for which secondary data are available. Different results might have been obtained if we include smaller, private firms into the sample. This paper only includes a limited number of measures of financial performance to assess the relationship between organization learning dimensions and firm performance. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further with different performance measures. Practical implications – The resul...
33 citations
TL;DR: Insight is provided into the optimal use of ICT in intra-organizational knowledge transfer and learning: it is essential to use the right combination and number of technologies, aligned with the organization’s internal processes.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between on-the-job learning and information and communication technology (ICT). Design/methodology/approach – Action research methodology was applied to study 62 small- and medium-sized corporations, and to interview over 200 knowledge workers and managers. The qualitative, textual data collected were transformed into 16 variables and analysed by multidimensional scaling. Findings – The paper provides insights into the optimal use of ICT in intra-organizational knowledge transfer and learning. We found that it is essential to use the right combination and number of technologies, aligned with the organization’s internal processes. Four different types of organizations with sub-optimal usage of ICT and possible strategies for them to reach the optimal zone were identified. For successful organizational learning, however, more is needed: the individual must also understand the value of learning and must be motivated to take part in it. Resear...
30 citations
TL;DR: The methodology proposed in this work follows the A3 report approach including focus groups’ techniques in the planning step and problem analysis and the use of the LAMDA learning cycle, aiming to fill the gaps in A3 method.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to propose a complementary method to the A3 information collection, data analysis and capturing and sharing knowledge to facilitate problem solving in a general framework. The incorporation of this method minimizes the difficulties identified in the literature focused on continuous improvement of processes. The method comprises combining triangulation techniques utilizing focus groups for a survey of qualitative data and the approach called Look – Ask – Model – Discuss – Act (LAMDA), which was originally designed for cycles of knowledge creation applied in product development processes. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology proposed in this work follows the A3 report approach including focus groups’ techniques in the planning step and problem analysis and the use of the LAMDA learning cycle, aiming to fill the gaps in A3 method. Therefore, the methodology includes five macro steps, which are divided into smaller steps. Note that the inclusion of the LAMDA learning cycle i...
29 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the issues relating to the concepts of knowledge management and the learning organization and discuss the relationship between these concepts and the issues of power and control.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to focus on the issues relating to the concepts of knowledge management (KM) and the learning organization and discusses the relationship between these concepts and the issues of power and control. It looks at Coopey’s (1998) critical review of the “Foucauldian gloom” with regard to the learning organization and helps to assess whether the concept is a dream or a nightmare for the employees and the organizations as a whole. While both concepts have many positive attributes and have helped to transform many organizations, the issues of power, control, trust and empowerment have been overlooked and disregarded. This paper will attempt to answer some of these questions. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an analysis of literature in the field of KM and learning organizations and its relationship with the concepts of power, control and trust. Findings – This paper shows that one of the main features of the management of organizational culture is to comprehend and effect...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify particular traits of the Russian context which condition two key enablers of organizational learning: organizational culture and transformational leadership, and apply partial least squares-analysis to define structural relationships between the elements of proposed model.
Abstract: Purpose – The paper aims to identify particular traits of the Russian context which condition two key enablers of organizational learning: organizational culture and transformational leadership. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on a literature review, the study determines management challenges by implementation of organizational learning in the Russian business context. Taking this into account, the authors suggest specific model of organizational learning which contains organizational learning processes, organizational culture oriented towards learning and transformational leadership. Empirical justification of this model is provided using a sample of more than 100 respondents. Partial least squares-analysis is applied to define structural relationships between the elements of proposed model. Findings – The study reveals the positive and significant influence of transformational leadership and an organizational culture on organizational learning processes. Moreover, transformational leadership is sh...
18 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the role of antecedents such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and entrepreneurial orientation in the chain effect to knowledge sharing among members of Cai Luong theatre companies in the Vietnamese context.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role of antecedents such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and entrepreneurial orientation in the chain effect to knowledge sharing among members of Cai Luong theatre companies in the Vietnamese context. Knowledge sharing contributes to the depth of the knowledge pool of both the individuals and the organization. Design/methodology/approach – The relationships among the constructs in the research model were established through structural equation modelling (SEM)-based analysis of cross-sectional data from 226 respondents of Cai Luong theatre companies in Vietnam. Findings – From research findings emerged the empirical proof for the positive effect of CSR on entrepreneurial orientation, which, in turn, contributes to the sharing of knowledge among theatre members. Originality/value – Research findings increase the breadth of knowledge management literature through the role of CSR and entrepreneurial orientation as activators of knowledge sharing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors describe and analyze organizational learning processes and power dynamics during the adoption and use of an information system (IS) at a Brazilian public organization, and reveal a relationship between the organizational learning process and specific modes of power, notably discipline, influence, force and domination.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to describe and analyze organizational learning processes and power dynamics during the adoption and use of an information system (IS) at a Brazilian public organization. Design/methodology/approach – A case study was chosen as the research method. Data were gathered from documents and interviews with key informants. Findings – The results indicate the existence of two learning cycles during the adoption of the IS at the organization. In the first cycle, learning occurred only at the individual level. In the second cycle, cognitive and social processes of individual and group learning were associated with power dynamics, enabling learning at the organizational level. These results reveal a relationship between the organizational learning process and the specific modes of power, notably discipline, influence, force and domination. Originality/value – The study presents empirical evidence about the conceptual relation between the organizational learning process and different forms ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors determine the role of organizational forgetting in different type of coaching companies and to determine organizational survival based on both knowledge structure and organizational forgetting with core features of organizations.
Abstract: Purpose – The purposes of this paper are to determine the role of organizational forgetting in different type of coaching companies and to determine organizational survival based on both knowledge structure of coaching companies and organizational forgetting with core features of organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Within the context of this research, two worldwide and well-known coaching companies were examined as case study, and analyses of case studies which included company background and testimonial analysis was used as inputs for the semi-structured interviews of 12 PhD students in the UK who took seminars and training from the coaching companies. Based on the interviews, the authors concluded the research as describing knowledge structure, core features and organizational forgetting type. Thus, organizational survival based on organizational forgetting could be interpreted. Findings – Based on the case studies and interview results, there were two findings. First, it was indicated that the...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a knowledge sharing model based on social-constructivist theories of epistemological beliefs, learning and distributed cognition, which suggests that attitudes or beliefs largely drive one's behaviors.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a knowledge-sharing model that explains individual members’ motivation to share knowledge (knowledge donation and knowledge collection). Design/methodology/approach – The model is based on social-constructivist theories of epistemological beliefs, learning and distributed cognition, and is organized via the mechanism of propositional control, which suggests that attitudes or beliefs largely drive one’s behaviors. This paper also explores how epistemological belief systems may influence behavior processes at work. Findings – The model presented consists of five epistemological belief dimensions consistent with previous theorization about personal epistemologies. This paper demonstrates how sophisticated (as opposed to naive) beliefs on each of these five dimensions can stimulate one’s intrinsic desire to engage in knowledge-sharing behaviors. Research limitations/implications – The model is constrained by the assumptions that learning takes place socially a...
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to deepen understanding of the use of stereoscopic 3D technology (stereo3D) in facilitating organizational learning. The emergence of advanced virtual technologies, in particular to the stereo3D virtual reality, has fundamentally changed the ways in which organizations train their employees. However, in academic or professional studies, there is hitherto, very limited research has been found in understanding the framework of distributed organizational learning in stereo3D virtual reality. Design/methodology/approach – The aim of this research is to investigate the employees’ learning achievement in both the conventional in-house training program and distributed organizational learning approach in a designed stereo3D virtual reality to deepen our understanding of this undiscovered framework. In all, 76 employees from local fashion and apparel organizations were recruited in this empirical study. The quasi-experimental method was adopted to compare the experimental and control grou...
TL;DR: In this article, a conceptual analysis of knowledge management practices in India and China using an in-depth analysis of the extant literature to provide a comparative perspective of KM policies in these two economies is presented.
Abstract: Purpose – This research paper aims to showcase current knowledge management (KM) practices via social media that is being adopted by organizations in India and China. India and China are considered leading economies in today’s global market. Any understanding of management practices in these countries will help practitioners in doing businesses in these nations. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper analyzes KM practices in India and China using an in-depth analysis of the extant literature to provide a comparative perspective of KM policies in these two economies. This paper has used a wide range of scholarly and non-scholarly databases from ABI Global Inform to Business Source Complete to Google Scholar among others. Findings – This research offers valuable insights into characteristic KM trends followed by Indian and Chinese firms. This paper also highlights different approaches adopted by these two cultures in managing their KM practices. The study also provides hypotheses that can be te...
TL;DR: The results suggest that UI materializes through what this researcher conceptualized as “circuits of learning” around shared objects that are collaboratively mediated and shaped in interplay between three forces identified as“user requirements”, “interdisciplinary co-creation” and “object transformation”.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to raise the question of how end-user product innovation is developed by exploring the underlying learning mechanisms that drive such idea realization in practice. A trialogical learning perspective from educational science is applied as an analytical approach to enlighten the black box of learning dynamics in user innovation (UI). Design/methodology/approach – The field study of organizational ethnography is based on in situ observations of the testing and development phase of an adapted aid, an electro-mechanical device for completely hands-free dressing/undressing for people with no arm function. Findings – The results suggest that UI materializes through what this researcher conceptualized as “circuits of learning” around shared objects that are collaboratively mediated and shaped in interplay between three forces identified as “user requirements”, “interdisciplinary co-creation” and “object transformation”. Research limitations/implications – This in-depth study of UI realiz...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the characteristics that a crisis unit should have to achieve effective learning after a crisis to reduce defensiveness phase and extend openness and forgetfulness while learning after the crisis.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify the characteristics that a crisis unit should have to achieve effective learning after crisis. Literature has identified many relations between learning organizations and crisis; yet, there is a dearth of research on specific studies about crisis units and their post-crisis learning features. Thus, this paper aims to fill such a gap by giving some practical answers to this question: How can the crisis unit reduce defensiveness phase and extend openness and forgetfulness while learning after the crisis? Design/methodology/approach – This research mobilizes a framework composed by three theoretical grids: the post-crisis learning cycle (Kovoor-Misra and Nathan, 2000); the characteristics of a learning organization (Senge, 1990); and the mechanisms of crisis learning (Mitki and Herstein, 2011). A qualitative investigation is conducted to study a crisis within an oil company (PON). Findings – This paper shows that the duration of the learning cycle depends not only on the...
TL;DR: In this article, the mediating role played by team members' motivation on the relationship between team learning conditions (shared learning beliefs and team learning support) and members' satisfaction with the team was analysed.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to contribute to the clarification of the conditions under which teams can be successful, especially those related to team learning. To attain this goal, in the present study, the mediating role played by team members’ motivation on the relationship between team learning conditions (shared learning beliefs and team learning support) and members’ satisfaction with the team was analysed. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study with a multilevel design was carried out. Data concerning learning conditions, motivation and satisfaction were obtained from a survey among 398 employees working in 71 teams that perform complex tasks from 24 companies. A multilevel analysis was conducted. Findings – Overall, the results showed that both team learning conditions – shared learning beliefs and team learning support – had a significant positive effect on members’ satisfaction, which was mediated by members’ motivation. Originality/value – The proliferation of groups in th...