Validation of a German Version of the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) in German Craft Companies

Abstract

Abstract. An explicit learning culture can help to systematize learning in small companies with a high degree of informal human resource development. The Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ; Marsick & Watkins, 2003 ) has already been used to assess learning culture in many international studies mainly with large organizations. However, the multidimensional structure of the DLOQ was criticized in the past. Therefore, this study (N = 856) investigated the dimensionality of a German translation of the DLOQ in the German crafts sector and the effect of the DLOQ dimensions on two criterions (i. e., commitment, job satisfaction). The results confirm the expected seven-factor structure of the German DLOQ (21 items) with good psychometric characteristics that were stable in different subsamples (i. e., different work levels and sectors). The correlations with the criterions confirm the external validity of the DLOQ. Furthermore, leaders rated all seven DLOQ dimensions higher than nonleaders did.