The construct of the learning organization: Dimensions, measurement, and validation

This research describes efforts to develop and validate a multidimensional measure of the learning organization. An instrument was developed based on a critical review of both the conceptualization and practice of this construct. Supporting validity evidence for the instrument was obtained from several sources, including best model-data fit among alternative measurement models, nomological network among dimensions of the learning organization, and organizational performance outcomes. Acceptable reliability estimates were obtained for the seven proposed dimensions. Consequently, the instrument, Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire, was recommended for use in organizational studies. The concept of the learning organization has received increasing attention in the field of organizational studies, yet little is known about how to measure it. Despite growing attention to the learning organization, the lack of a theo-retically derived measure of the construct has deterred substantive research in this area. Tsang (1997) observes that most writings in this area tend to be prescriptive and lack systematic and solid empirical research. Learning organization theorists argue that there has been considerable conceptual con-fusion about the nature of learning at the organizational level (Argyris &amp