Organizational learning capability and organizational innovation: The moderating role of knowledge inertia

Abstract

The capability to learn is a critical factor for organization to grow and innovate. However, there’s no research examined the positive relationship between the effect of organizational learning capability and organizational innovation. In addition, employees solve problems with their prior experience and knowledge as facing problems, that is, knowledge inertia, may hinder organizations capability from learning and problems solving. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between and organizational innovation, and understand the moderating effect of knowledge inertia in the relationship between organizational learning capability and organizational innovation. This study collected 563 valid questionnaires to analyze. The participants in this study were a regional hospital in middle Taiwan, included nurses, supervisors and managers. The result showed that organizational learning capability positively and significantly related to organizational innovation. Knowledge inertia moderated the relationship between organizational learning capability and organizational innovation. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Key words: Organizational learning capability, organizational innovation, knowledge inertia, medical industries.