Is the learning organization a valid concept in the Taiwanese context?

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the psychometric characteristics of a Chinese version of the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ^©).

Design/methodology/approach

The DLOQ^©, developed by Watkins and Marsick in 1997, assessed the characteristics of a learning organization. This study employed a survey validate utility of the DLOQ^© for the Taiwanese context.

Findings

Psychometric analyses revealed that the Chinese DLOQ^© has reasonable reliability, and that the seven‐dimensional factor structure was appropriate for the Taiwanese context. Study results also revealed that the seven dimensions of a learning organization can classify different organization types successfully and demonstrate a statistically significant correlation between organization type and perceptual measures of organizational performance.

Research limitations/ implications

This study has implications for both research and practice in HRD. It offers preliminary evidence of reliability and validity for the Chinese DLOQ©. The positive evidence supporting the psychometric properties of the Chinese DLOQ© indicates the potential for particular cross‐cultural applications. Experimental results also suggest that the Chinese DLOQ© can be utilized to determine cultural differences in building a learning organization. Further studies are required to investigate the relationships between the concept of a learning organization and its antecedent and outcomes variables, such as organizational structure, culture, and performance.

Originality/value

This study confirms that the validity of applying the seven dimensions as determinants of a learning organization in the Taiwanese context and, in particular, supports the cross‐validity of the DLOQ© in this context. This study also offers practical help to understand the concept of organizational learning and developing learning organizations.

Citation

Ya‐Hui Lien, B., Yu‐Yuan Hung, R., Yang, B. and Li, M. (2006), "Is the learning organization a valid concept in the Taiwanese context?", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 27 No. 2, pp. 189-203. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437720610666209