Organizational Learning Theory Research Articles

Transactive memory system, boundary-spanning search and business model innovation: the moderating role of environmental dynamism

Based on organizational learning theory, the influence of the transactive memory system of the top management team on business model innovation is discussed, as is the impact of different dimensions of boundary-spanning search on different business model innovation attributes when attention distribution is taken into account. Meanwhile, the moderating effects of environmental dynamism are considered. Regression and bootstrap analysis are used to test hypotheses. The results based on empirical research show that the transactive memory system has a positive effect on the dual attributes of business model innovation; acute boundary-spanning search and concentrated boundary-spanning search affect novelty-centered business model innovation and efficiency-centered business model innovation, respectively, and play mediating roles. Meanwhile, environmental dynamism positively moderates the relationship between acute boundary-spanning search and novelty-centered business model innovation, but negatively moderates the relationship between concentrated boundary-spanning and business efficiency-centered model innovation efficiency.

“The Learning of Learned ‘Learning Organizations’?”: How Southern African Universities Use a Professional Competency Framework for Research Management and Administration: Selective Cases

How universities, respected for their position at the apex of learning, employ competency frameworks in order to increase learning impacts is acknowledged by the authors as a researchable problem. The respective natures of universities and professional work, the latter, which is often intensely integral to universities, means that universities have to take on board managerial as well philosophical means of learning. This article explores how staff at six universities employ a Professional Competency Framework for Research Management and Administration (PCF-RMA) to bring about organizational learning. Participants provide qualitative data which are condensed into six narrated cases to show how a PCF-RMA, created through action research, enters into the university systems and translates into individual and organizational systems thinking towards applied outcomes. Using the theoretical lenses of Senge’s five disciplines and core competencies for competitive advantage, we argue that systems thinking is not essentially about the system as an abstracted entity, but about sensitized individuals who actively ‘think through’ using the PCF-RMA to improve their own work and career prospects, while also improving the work of the research support offices for university research purposes. In short, systems and funding impacts. As such, the PCF-RMA, while initially carried through individuals, has a systems opportunity to change not only individuals but also set up a trajectory for generative holistic changes as articulated within organizational learning theories. The study recommends future research to employ a diverse and broadened scope in the domains of theory, context, and methodology. Aside from prompting ongoing research, this study offers an opportunity to demonstrate increased research impact, an area which stakeholders of research, including the funders, increasingly emphasize.

The impact of degree of internationalization of MNEs on green innovation performance: The moderating role of absorptive capacity and global dynamic management capability

AbstractWith the increasing attention given to resource scarcity and environmental destruction, growing pressure is imposed upon MNEs (multinational enterprises) by a wide range of stakeholders to exert green innovation. Although an emerging body of research has explored the contributing factors of green innovation, little attention has been paid to the impact of internationalization, especially the different dimensions of internationalization, on green innovation performance. To address this research gap, this research aims to examine the role of both the breadth (geographical range) and depth (intensity) of internationalization on green innovation performance of MNEs, and investigate the moderating roles of MNEs' global dynamic management capability and absorptive capacity. Based on organizational learning theory, this study used secondary data from Chinese listed companies and established econometric models to test the proposed research framework. The results indicated that the breadth of internationalization could enhance MNEs' green innovation performance. Alternatively, the depth of internationalization could inhibit green innovation performance. In addition, the results also revealed that global dynamic managerial and absorptive capacities can both enhance the positive effect between internationalization breadth and green innovation performance while weakening the negative effect of internationalization depth on green innovation performance. This study has implications for strengthening our knowledge of green innovation performance as well as enhancing policy design for sustainable development.

Are both generative AI and ChatGPT game changers for 21st-Century operations and supply chain excellence?

The remarkable growth of ChatGPT, a Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI), has triggered a significant debate in society. It has the potential to radically transform the business landscape, with consequences for operations and supply chain management (O&SCM). However, empirical evidence on Gen-AI's effects in O&SCM remains limited. This study investigates the benefits, challenges, and trends associated with Gen-AI/ChatGPT in O&SCM. We collected data from O&SCM practitioners in the UK (N = 154) and the USA (N = 161). As we used the organizational learning theory for the research, our findings reveal increased efficiency as a significant benefit for both adopters and non-adopters in both countries, while indicating security, risks, and ethical as prominent concerns. In particular, it appeared that the integration of Gen-AI/ChatGPT leads to the enhancement of the overall supply chain performance. Moreover, organizational learning can speed up the results of Gen-AI/ChatGPT in O&SCM. No wonders that adopters express their satisfaction about the post-implementation benefits of the technology, which include reduced perceived challenges for pre-implementation, and greater optimism about future Gen-AI/ChatGPT utilization compared to non-adopters. Adopters also display diverse behavioral patterns toward efficiency, agility, responsiveness, etc. This study provides valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in comprehending Gen-AI/ChatGPT's implications in O&SCM for both adopters and non-adopters. Additionally, it underscores the importance of organizational learning processes in facilitating successful Gen-AI/ChatGPT adoption in O&SCM.

Changing the geographic scope of collaboration: Implications for product innovation novelty and commercialization

AbstractPrior research points out the benefits of external collaboration for innovation, yet little is known of: (a) the changes in the scope of external collaboration over time (i.e., firms increasing, seeking stability, or decreasing the geographic scope of their collaboration), and (b) how such changes in the geographic scope of collaboration affect product innovation novelty and commercialization. Here, we build on organizational learning theory, with the objective of exploring how changes in the geographic scope of collaboration over time affect the novelty of product innovation and its commercial success. Econometric analysis of a large panel of UK firms reveals three novel findings: First, while stability in the geographic scope of collaboration is common, there is a marked incidence of change, that is, firms are increasing or decreasing the geographic scope of collaboration. Second, while moving toward more geographically distant collaboration is beneficial mostly for radical innovation, maintaining stability in the geographic scope of collaboration is particularly beneficial for incremental innovation. Third, we demonstrate that becoming less international in the geographic scope might be beneficial for innovation commercialization. Finally, we identify six pathways to geographic collaboration that map to innovation outcomes.

Leadership for school mindfulness: the role of school ambidexterity and leaders’ cognitive complexity

ABSTRACT Using an information-processing approach and organisational learning theory (i.e. ambidexterity), the current innovative study examines a model for the prediction of schools’ collective mindfulness and its consequences, linking principals’ cognitive complexity (CC) with school ambidexterity and mindfulness, school ambidexterity with school mindfulness, and the effect of school mindfulness and ambidexterity on a teacher’s psychological capital. The study further examines the indirect effect of principals’ CC on a teacher’s psychological capital through the effects of ambidexterity and mindfulness. Participants were 104 principals and 1002 teachers from 104 Israeli schools. Results showed that school mindfulness is affected by principals’ CC and school ambidexterity, and that school mindfulness and school ambidexterity relate directly and positively to a teacher’s psychological capital. Finally, school mindfulness and ambidexterity connected school principals’ CC to a teacher’s psychological capital. This study adds to the body of research directed at identifying leaders’ roles and work-related factors that may positively affect organisational mindfulness and a consequence of school mindfulness, i.e. a teacher’s psychological capital, and that are amenable to leadership intervention.

Turning 30 and myopic? Temporal orientation and the firm lifecycle

AbstractA vast body of literature shows that large, publicly listed firms suffer from managerial short‐termism and inadequate temporal orientation. We study the temporal orientations, measured as the investment horizons, of firms throughout their lifecycles. We build on theoretical arguments from organizational learning theory and agency theory to argue that the relationship between firm age and the investment horizon is quadratic, with an inverted U shape. Using a large sample of publicly listed and privately held European firms, we obtain results consistent with this prediction. Our results support the idea that younger firms gradually learn to use more sophisticated investment decision criteria, thus resulting in longer investment horizons. However, this effect is bounded by changes in governance structure, such as the separation of ownership from control that results from the transition from an owner‐managed status to a professionally managed status. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

The mediation model of learning organization, technology acceptance and service innovation: Part I

PurposeThis paper aims to create a conceptual model that connects learning organizations, service innovation and technology acceptance.Design/methodology/approachThe importance of the interaction of variables benefiting both individuals and organizations has been comprehensively explained by combining two well-known theories – learning organizational theory and service innovation theory – with the technology acceptance model. In the first part of the study, conceptual model has been constructed and then applied to the hospitality industry of which results have been presented in the second part of this paper.FindingsIt is hypothesized that learning organization, service innovation and technology acceptance have significant relationships. It is also suggested that the learning organization plays an intermediary role in the relationship between technology acceptance and service innovation. Empirical results in this regard have been presented in the second part of the paper.Research limitations/implicationsThe relations have been established and tested in the hospitality industry in Antalya. However, the model can be applied and established relations tested in other industries.Originality/valueThis research contributes to our knowledge of the intricate linkages that exist between learning organizations, technology acceptance and service innovation. Originality of the paper is related to the novel multilayered model illustrating three-way interactions between the three dimensions of learning organization, technology acceptance and service innovation.

Employees' learning behavior in the context of AI collaboration: a perspective on the job demand-control model

PurposeMost studies have focused on the impact of the application of AI on management attributes, management decisions and management ethics. However, how job demand and job control in the context of AI collaboration determine employees' learning process and learning behaviors, as well as how AI collaboration moderates employees' learning process and learning behaviors, remains unknown. To answer these questions, the authors adopted a Job Demand-Control (JDC) model to explore the influencing factors of employee's individual learning behavior.Design/methodology/approachThis study used questionnaire survey in organizations using AI to collect data. Partial least squares (PLS) predict algorithm and SPSS were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsJob demand and job control positively influence self-efficacy, self-efficacy positively influences learning goal orientation and learning goal orientation positively influences learning behavior. Learning goal orientation plays a mediating role between self-efficacy and learning behavior. Meanwhile, collaboration with AI positively moderates the impact of employees' job demand on self-efficacy and the impact of self-efficacy on learning behavior.Originality/valueThis study introduces self-efficacy as the outcome of JDC model, demonstrates the mediating role of learning goal orientation and introduces collaborative factors related to artificial intelligence. This study further enriches the theoretical system of human–AI interaction and expands the content of organizational learning theory.

Examining a two-step working model of safety knowledge in translating safety climate into safety behavior

PurposeGiven a baffling contradiction that the availability of safety knowledge may not necessarily lead to workers' safety behavior, this study aims to develop an exploratory two-step working model of safety knowledge in translating safety climate into safety behavior. In particular, this study highlights the importance of articulating tacit safety knowledge and improving workers' systematic problem solving (SPS) capacity in a favorable safety climate.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses 110 valid responses from Pakistan-based construction workers to test five hypotheses which embody the exploratory two-step working model of safety knowledge. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the data.FindingsThe results of this study support the two-step working mechanism of safety knowledge in translating safety climate into safety behavior. Furthermore, results suggest that safety climate as a job resource facilitates converting construction workers' tacit safety knowledge into explicit safety knowledge (i.e. safety knowledge articulation) and then enabling them to spot non-conformities in safety management practices (i.e. SPS) and consequently to work safely (i.e. safety behavior).Originality/valueThe study has both theoretical and practical significance. In theory, it extends organizational learning theory and job demands-resources (JD-R) theory in the construction safety research domain and elaborates on the mediating role of safety knowledge articulation and SPS for the relationship between safety climate and safety behavior. In practice, it highlights the importance of continuous articulation of tacit safety knowledge and accumulation and use of explicit safety knowledge in construction safety management practices.

Open innovation during the 2008 financial crisis

ABSTRACT We examine how firms adjusted their open innovation strategy in response to the 2008 global financial crisis. While previous research has analysed the advantages, drawbacks, and methods of open innovation, less is known about how firms adjust their open innovation strategy in response to major economic shocks. Guided by theories of organisational learning and behavioural theory of the firm, we examine the impact of demand shock on firm openness to external knowledge. To test our hypotheses, we analyse a unique dataset on innovation in Swiss firms during the financial crisis. Our findings show that firms persisted with open innovation during the crisis, but the nature of the shock had a differential effect on how firms searched for external knowledge. This research contributes to a better understanding of the role of open innovation in times of crisis and provides insights into how firms adjust their innovation strategies in response to economic shocks.

Spurred or spurned? The effects of combined innovations and major obstacles on B2B SME capability generation and future focus

Expanding organizational learning theory and ambidextrous theory, this research investigates the potential differences in connections between business-to-business (B2B) small to medium enterprises (SME) engaging in customer facing (product and service) innovations versus B2B SMEs engaging in process innovations in addition customer facing innovations related to organizational capability generation (innovation, business model) and future focus on innovations or on investing in facilities and machinery. It also examines to what extent the context of major obstacles in financing and/or competition impact the same elements for the companies. Using survey data from leaders at 1405 B2B SMEs in the U.K., the results show that some of the elements spur improvements in the capabilities and focus while other combinations spurn the level of capabilities and focus.

The effects of organizational learning on innovation and performance of venture capital-backed firms: the moderating effect of syndication

PurposeDespite the innovation and performance of venture capital (VC)-backed firms receiving extensive attention, how and under what conditions VC influences innovation and performance remains unclear. The present paper draws on organizational learning (OL) theory to examine the moderating effect of syndication on backed firms.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on a literature review that connects OL and innovation to the performance of VC-backed firms, this study examines the effects of OL on innovation and firm performance among these firms by questioning the moderating effect of VC syndication. A sample of 78 VC-backed firms was used to test the robustness of the proposed model and causal relationships through the use of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe empirical evidence demonstrates that the intervention of venture capitalists can not only stimulate innovation, but also have a significantly positive effect on firm performance. Furthermore, the evidence reveals that syndication of VC investment supports backed firms in improving the firms' performance and generating innovation from acquired knowledge.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first in North Africa that focuses on the moderating effects of venture capital syndication on the relationships between OL, innovation and firm performance.

Women Micro-Enterprises Performance, Role of Social Capital, Locus of Control and Institutional Support on Entrepreneurial Orientation Nexus. A Conceptual Perspective

This research proposed a framework on the interactive effect of Social Capital, Locus of Control and Institutional Support on the nexus of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and micro-enterprises performance. As the level of empirical research is lacking on the elements identified in a single study. This study used the uni-dimension of EO encompassing the proactiveness, innovativeness, and the risk-taking proclivity of women micro-enterprises in developing novel jobs towards narrowing the economic disparities of people. The incorporated variables like Social Capital, entrepreneur’s internal locus of control and Institutional Support relate to entrepreneurship as per extant literature. A quantitative research method will be utilised and with the help of the G-Power to establish the acceptable minimum sample size suitable for the study. Data will be obtained via purposive sampling technique and analysis done with the use of the Smart PLS-SEM software. The findings would provide vital value on the significance of the antecedent variables on the perceived financial and non-financial performance indicators of women micro-entrepreneurs. The study will be anchored on the model of strategic entrepreneurship, organisational learning and learning organisation theories stressing how their adoption by women micro-entrepreneurs could enhance optimal sustainable performance. The implications of this findings would be of great significance on women micro-entrepreneurs’ performance, enabling them to compete well in this competitive business environment, evolve to SMEs and large business that will find their presence in the international market. Further, findings would provide direction for educators, policymakers and future research to enhance the optimal sustainable performance of women micro-entrepreneurs and in Malaysia.

Understanding organizational learning in a healthcare organization during sudden and disruptive change

PurposeComplex and sudden change that healthcare organizations often have to respond to, such as during the recent pandemic, can create major disruptions and a prolonged state of alert. Although the impact of such crises can be predominantly negative, rapid adjustments during this time can also yield positive change that can support organizational response to crisis, if managed well. Using insights from organizational learning and organizational change theory, the aim of this study was to understand organizational learning during sudden change. Specifically, the authors aimed to understand the experiences and types of gains and losses in the processes of complex and disruptive change in one large healthcare organization in the UK.Design/methodology/approachFocus group data were used from 23 focus group discussions with 575 participants representing all functions and departments in one Healthcare Trust.FindingsThe participants revealed the rich gains, losses, and lessons experienced in response to sudden change that can promote organizational learning. Perceived losses are more likely to drive a desire to refreeze “back to normal” and perceived gains more likely to lead to an emphasis on embedding gains and changing to better. Therefore, on balance, the substantial, in number and variety, gains and learnings point to a learning organization. This is an essential attribute for responding to disruptive change successfully and facilitating organizational recovery in a post-pandemic world.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight the importance of timely harnessing of the organizational learning emerging from crises and how this can inform a more resilient organization, as well as supporting sustainable organizational cross-learning.Originality/valueBy extending these insights on workers’ adaptation to sudden change, the findings can help to advance the science and practice of organizational learning and support organizational recovery, especially as they describe the new status in UK healthcare organizations.

Learning Orientation for Performance of Commercial Banks in Nepal: A Mediated Model Using Customer Relationship Management

This study aims to investigate the relationship between learning orientation and performance of commercial banks in Nepal, with a specific focus on the mediating role of customer relationship management (CRM). Using an explanatory research design and convenient sampling, data was collected from 260 participants with the aid of KOBO Toolbox. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to evaluate the data quantitatively. The results suggest that CRM plays a mediating role between learning orientation and banking performance, providing theoretical relevance in terms of organizational learning theory. The findings emphasize the importance of factors that empower and enable customers, such as customer skills and satisfaction, for the survival of the banking industry. Banks should prioritize excellent customer service and a positive consumer experience to enhance their performance. The concern of, this paper lies in its empirical investigation of the interrelationships between learning orientation, CRM, and performance in a specific context, as well as its theoretical and practical contributions to the field of organizational learning in the banking industry.

Does Accountability Matter in Performance?: Cases from Charity Navigator

As the charitable sector continues to grow, so do concerns over its accountability. Calls for greater accountability for nonprofits have led to not only an increase in government oversight activities, but also the proliferation of accountability standards within non-profit communities as the sector has been determined to address the issue through self-regulation efforts. Given the pervasiveness of the standards movement, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether and to what extent accountability reforms matter in improving organizational performance. Various theories (e.g., scientific management and organizational learning theories; resource dependence theory and institutional iso-morphism) are explored to understand the nature of the accountability-performance relationship. Analysis of Charity Navigator data (N=943) indicates that accountability measures are positively associated with financial performance (more efficient in using resources, for example). Reviewing CEOs’ compensation packages is one of the indi-vidual accountability features that is particularly impactful in improving performance. Additionally, our findings shed light on the expansive scope of the standards move-ment, highlighting the importance of further investigating the connection between ac-countability and organizational performance beyond finance.

혁신중학교 전문적 학습공동체 학습조직 구축 정도 분석

This study aims to examine the disparity in the degree of establishment of a professional learning community learning organization between innovative schools and general schools in Chungnam. To achieve this research objectives, we examined the characteristics of innovative schools based on prior research and summarized the relationship between the professional learning community and Senge's learning organization theory. We also developed a questionnaire asking the degree of establishment of a learning organization in a professional learning community drawing from prior research and expert advice. The survey was conducted among middle school teachers in Chungnam and analyzed using basic statistical analysis and independent sample t-test. The main findings indicated a significant difference in the degree of establishment of a professional learning community learning organization between innovative schools and general schools. Innovative schools scored an average of 4.31 points out of 5, while general schools scored an average of 3.84 points. The difference between innovative schools and general schools was statistically significant at the significance level of 0.001. The analysis revealed that innovative schools have relatively more professional learning communities than general schools, especially in terms of team learning and system thinking. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to actively disseminate the various activities of professional learning communities centered on innovative schools to other general schools. While existing studies have discussed the effectiveness of professional learning communities, this study adds value by analyzing professional learning communities in detail within the framework of learning organizational theory. Further research are needed on the degree of establishment of a learning organization in a professional learning community for the 1st to 8th graders of innovative schools.

Knowledge Management as a Tool for Improving Work Performance in Selected Law Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya: An Assessment

Knowledge management is recognized as an important tool for sustaining competitive merit and improving performance of work. It is a means through which law firms can clout their knowledge base and intensify work performance. The assessment of knowledge management performance has become increasingly invaluable since it provides the indicator for guiding organizations to improve their work execution and competitiveness. Many law firms have no documented and planned approach to tap the organization’s knowledge and make it accessible to the staff for enhancement of service delivery. 
 The study was informed by the learning organization theory. The research design for this study was a descriptive and positivism case study that was analysed largely through quantitative methods with a small qualitative component. Purposive sampling design was employed to select 222 law firms, qualitative data was collected using focus group discussions from 12 key informants supported by document review. The results revealed that most of the respondents 86.5% were aware of knowledge management whereas 64.9% indicated that knowledge management contributed to their law firm’s legal practice. From the inferential statistics analysis, there was a significant relationship and influence across different attributes examined that knowledge management is a tool for improving work performance which is, p<0.05. This was also reflected in focus group discussion results.
 Awareness of knowledge management and contribution of knowledge management to legal practise were significant tools for improving work performance. The study recommended awareness forums for knowledge management.

Experiential learning, institutional quality and Chinese state-owned firms’ cross-border acquisitions

PurposeState-owned firms play important roles in Chinese cross-border acquisition (CBA) activities. However, compared with private firms, state-owned firms have a lower likelihood of acquisition completion and take longer to complete a deal. This paper aims to determine why this phenomenon exists and how state-owned firms can overcome the constraints of their identity.Design/methodology/approachBy integrating organizational learning theory with institutional theory, this paper attempts to answer the research questions from a legitimacy perspective. Employing Chinese CBA data from 1982 to 2014, the authors use a logit model and a random effects model to test the hypothesis.FindingsThe results show that a state-owned identity easily causes legitimacy concerns among host country regulatory agencies; thus, it may result in longer and more uncertain evaluation behaviors, which lead to a lower likelihood of CBA completion and a longer deal duration. Only experience with failed acquisitions can increase CBA completion probability. Furthermore, in very complex decision-making environments, such as that surrounding deal duration, only specific types of experience (i.e. experience of failed international acquisitions) can trigger learning behavior, whereas general experience (i.e. failed acquisition experience) has little influence. Favorable bilateral relationships may not improve the completion rate and efficiency of state-owned firms, but high-quality host country institutions lead to a higher likelihood of CBA completion among state-owned firms; however, this may be not conducive to decreasing the time needed to complete an acquisition deal.Originality/valueFirst, by discussing the completion rate and duration of CBAs conducted by state-owned firms and analyzing the factors that influence them, this paper enriches and develops the theory of organizational overseas mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Second, by adopting a legitimacy perspective and integrating institutional theory, the authors theorize how state-owned status influences firms’ M&A completion rate and time and test the hypotheses empirically; thus, this paper improves and deepens institutional theory. Third, by discussing how different types of experience (i.e. successful experience vs failed acquisition experience) influence the acquisition completion rate and duration and how general experience and specific types of experience affect these two dependent variables differently, this paper explains how state-owned firms can learn effectively from experience, contributing to organizational learning theory.