The determinants of the Islamic learning organization and the moderating effect of perceived organizational support

Private Higher Educational Institutions play a vital role in Malaysia’s economic growth and are a key contributor to the nation’s GDP. The survival of Islamic Private Higher Education Institutions (IPHEIs) in the highly competitive market of higher education within the country and in the region depends on the ability of those IPHEIs to learn and adapt to the rapid changes. Learning Organization can help IPHEIs survive and excel. This study intends to investigate the determinants of Islamic learning organization as it is a new concept derived from the conventional learning organization. Hence, the study is aimed at investigating the relationship between leadership style, employee innovative behaviour, Islamic work ethics, and the Islamic learning organization in Islamic private higher educational institutions in Malaysia. Additionally, the study was to examine the moderating effect of perceived organizational support on the relationship between those determinants and the Islamic learning organization. The underpinning theory is social learning theory. Data were collected from the Islamic private higher educational institutions in the Malaysian peninsula using a cross-sectional study design through questionnaires. However, only 156 questionnaires were valid for analysis. This study utilized the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling to establish the validity and reliability of the measurement model and to test each hypothesis. The results of this study showed that leadership style, employee innovative behaviour, and Islamic work ethics have significant influence on the Islamic learning organization. Additionally, perceived organizational support moderates the relationship between leadership style, employee innovative behaviour, and the Islamic learning organization. This study proposes valuable insights to Islamic Higher Educational Institution managers, stakeholders, and those who are accountable in leading Islamic PHEIs to excel in the higher educational arena. This study also offers theoretical, practical and methodological implications for the academics. Lastly, limitations and recommendations for future studies are also highlighted