ERIC Number: EJ860475
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0969-6474
EISSN: N/A
Assessing Change: Can Organizational Learning "Work" for Schools?
Austin, Manila S.; Harkins, Debra A.
Learning Organization, v15 n2 p105-125 2008
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to measure the effectiveness and practical utility of an organizational learning intervention for an organization that was not progressive, was not specifically chartered as a learning organization, and was situated in an urban, culturally diverse, and under-privileged community. Design/methodology/approach: In this empirical case study, employees were surveyed pre- and post-intervention on measures of organizational learning, school climate and morale. Archival data on turnover rates were also collected for the years bracketing the intervention (2003-2005). Findings: Analyses show the center reduced turnover and improved in organizational learning, morale, and to a lesser degree, organizational climate. Analyses demonstrate relationships between change in organizational climate dimensions (e.g. supportive leadership, appraisal and recognition, goal congruence) and change toward organizational learning. Originality/value: This research suggests that organizational learning--and the post-bureaucratic practices that characterize it--can be useful even in the most challenging of settings. Unlike previous research, this study specifically addresses organizational learning's utility for under-privileged populations; it also examines how the more traditional measure of organizational climate is related to post-industrial notions of learning and business performance. It should be of value to academics and practitioners wishing to apply organizational learning to less-advantaged and change-averse organizations.
Descriptors: School Personnel, Intervention, Organizational Change, Organizational Climate, Morale, Pretests Posttests, Urban Schools, Resistance to Change, Disadvantaged, Program Effectiveness, Case Studies, Educational Environment, Work Environment, Organizational Development, Human Resources, Staff Development, Training, Organizational Effectiveness, Training Methods, Instructional Effectiveness, Measurement, Educational Improvement, Improvement Programs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A