Learning organizations: diagnosis and measurement in a developing country context

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of a sample of Lebanese organizations vis‐à‐vis some of the core learning organization dimensions identified in the literature, focusing specifically on those dimensions that are considered most salient and relevant in the Lebanese context.Design/methodology/approachThe paper capitalizes on a comprehensive literature review to identify the core dimensions of the learning organization construct to be tackled in the questionnaire. The questionnaire was then compiled, comprising 40 questions consolidated from the published literature, addressing seven key learning organization dimensions. Factor analysis following survey administration allowed for filtering five dimensions of learning organizations that are most salient in the Lebanese context.FindingsFive salient characteristics of effective learning organizations are identified through factor analysis, namely employee participation, learning climate, systematic employee development, constant experimentation, and learning reward systems. The findings from the Lebanese sample vis‐à‐vis these five dimensions suggest that the main strength of Lebanese firms lies in systematic employee training, while their weakness rests in fostering continuous learning/experimentation.Originality/valueThis paper draws attention to the fact that varying dimensions of learning organizations are accorded attention in different cultures, and it is important to use measurement instruments focusing on these to derive value added insights.