Philippine E-Journals

DIMENSIONS OF LEARNING ORGANIZATION AND THE PREDICTORS TO ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE AMONG UNIVERSITIES IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

Grace Ann L Lagura

 

Abstract:

Universities as learning organizations work to embed learning into its culture to adapt to changes and gain the competitive advantage over others. This descriptive study described the extent to which the seven dimensions of a learning organization by Watkins and Marsick is practiced among the Universities. This study also established the statistically significant difference among the Universities of Zamboanga City, Philippines based on the dimensions of a learning organization. Data were obtained through a survey among 194 faculty, interview of key informants such as Deans and Middle Managers and focus group discussions among faculty and student leaders of the three Universities. Results of the study showed that the Universities in Zamboanga City are Very Satisfactory Learning Organizations and there is a statistically significant difference among the Universities in all dimensions except Team Learning and Collaboration as established by Kruskal Wallis Test. Likewise, the organizational performance of each University is described to be Very Satisfactory. This study further determined through regression analysis and stepwise method that the dimensions “systems to capture and share learning” as well as team learning and collaborations are predictors of organizational performance. This study proposes a Learning Organization Framework as a guide for the Universities to help improve organizational performance. Through qualitative data, three elements were identified to contribute to the practice of the dimensions of learning organization: (1) Organizational Characteristics which covers the type of University, leadership and leadership structures, financial resources, population and size; (b) Organizational Thrusts which include vision and mission, quality education, community service and values; and (c) the Organizational Learning Process which takes into account accreditation, research and faculty expertise. The three elements along with the practice of the dimensions and maximizing the predictors are recommended to improve organizational performance.