The Learning Organization

Fauzi, Muhammad Ashraf; Saad, Zuria Akmal; Ahmad, Mohd Hanafiah; Fauzi, Muhammad Zorif; Ahmad, Md Faizal

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-06-2023-0091

This study aims to evaluate the knowledge structure of knowledge management (KM) applications within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In pursuit of excellence, SMEs must adopt KM like large corporations, even with limited resources.Design/methodology/approachThrough a bibliometric approach, this study evaluates current themes based on bibliographic coupling analysis and predicts future trends based on coword analysis. A total of 726 documents and 2,658 keywords were derived from the Web of Science database.FindingsFindings show four clusters in bibliographic coupling and three in coword analysis. A common theme discovered converged on digital technology to ensure SMEs follow current market trends.Research limitations/implicationsAdvanced application of Industry 4.0 requires digital transformation for SMEs’ pursuit of excellence. Implications include sustaining SMEs through a considerable KM system integrated with digital technology for sustainable business activities.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to provide a science mapping analysis on KM in SMEs by applying a bibliometric analysis.

Matsuo, Makoto

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-04-2023-0066

This study aims to examine the influence of perceived supervisor support (PSS) for strengths use on knowledge sharing (KS) intentions, mediated through work engagement and knowledge self-efficacy, based on the job demand-resources theory and the broaden and build theory.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling and bootstrap analyses were performed to examine the research model using data derived from a two-wave questionnaire survey of 162 employees from five health-care organizations.FindingsThe results indicate that PSS for strengths use promoted KS intentions fully mediated through work engagement and subsequently through knowledge self-efficacy. However, there was no direct relationship between PSS for strengths use and KS intention.Originality/valueThe contribution of this research to the literature on KS is to find the effectiveness of a strengths-based approach in promoting KS intentions across boundaries and identifying mediating factors that link PSS for strengths use to KS intentions.

Tang, Paul; Lai, Jennifer Y.M.; Chen, Xiaoyun; Fu, Siu Fong Isabel

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-11-2022-0129

Drawing on social exchange theory, this study aims to investigate the reciprocal relationship between an employee’s knowledge sharing and his or her coworkers’ responses to this focal contributor in terms of knowledge sharing and helping behaviors.Design/methodology/approachA two-wave online survey collected data from 84 respondents who provided ratings on each member on their team, representing 440 dyadic relationships. Hierarchical linear modeling analyzed the between-subjects and within-subject data simultaneously.FindingsEmployees generally reciprocate contributors’ knowledge sharing with an exact act (i.e. knowledge sharing) through the mechanism of peer respect. However, respect generated by knowledge sharing is enhanced only when the knowledge contributor is competent.Originality/valueResearch on how an employee’s knowledge sharing actually influences other members of a team is lacking. This study addresses this gap by examining responses to a team member’s knowledge sharing from a peer’s perspective. It also reveals when knowledge sharing is more pronounced in earning peer respect.

Lathabhavan, Remya; H. L., Chidananda

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-07-2022-0083

This study aims to investigate the relationship between intrinsic motivators and the transfer of knowledge/skills gained during training to work. The intrinsic motivators considered for the study were self-efficacy and motivation to transfer the training knowledge. The study also examined how work conditions mediate the association of intrinsic motivators and training transfer. The working conditions considered in the study were autonomy and the opportunity to perform in the job.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 participants from microfinance institutions in Karnataka, India, who had received a three-week job training six months earlier. Data were collected using a questionnaire and structural equation modelling was performed for the analysis of the data.FindingsThe study found positive significant relationships between motivation motivators and training transfer of learning. Positive relationships were also seen between work conditions and training transfer of learning acquired via training. The study also established the role of intrinsic motivators in predicting training transfer through work conditions.Originality/valueThis study stands among the pioneering works to investigate the influence of intrinsic motivators on training transfer, while also examining the mediating role of work conditions. It focuses on an emerging economy, specifically India, thereby contributing valuable insights to the field.

Marlapudi, Kiran; Lenka, Usha

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-12-2022-0161

Emphasizing the increasing role of talent management (TM) as a global phenomenon and a source of sustainable competitive advantage for organizations, this study aims to present a scoping review of empirical literature on TM, examining the transition of TM from a phenomenon-driven to a theory-driven field.Design/methodology/approachUsing a scoping review, this study analyzed 200 empirical studies published between 2010 and 2023 on TM.FindingsThe results indicate that TM is extensively studied in nationally operated, large, private, engineering-led organizations in Anglo-Saxon countries. The study highlights the necessity for more empirical studies and statistically robust evidence to establish the effectiveness of TM.Research limitations/implicationsThis review intends to provide a vision and direction for future researchers, guiding TM towards becoming a theory-driven field characterized by widely accepted theoretical frameworks and research designs.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study may not be generalizable to other types of organizations or cultural contexts, as it primarily focused on large private engineering-led organizations in Anglo-Saxon countries.Originality/valueThis paper offers a comprehensive view of the definitions, contextualization, conceptualization, frameworks, practices, processes and under-explored areas of TM, which are essential for its development as a discipline.

Wicher, Magdalena Julia; Frankus, Elisabeth

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-10-2021-0119

This paper aims to look at the implementation of project-funded research governance and its potential to induce organisational learning on responsible research and innovation (RRI). This paper analysed what types of organisational learning and change can take place within organisations of an Europe-funded project and to what extent. This paper examined whether and how change occurs and how it is shaped and co-produced with other orderings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on materials and evidence collected while working on the internal evaluation of a Horizon 2020-funded project. Analysis of the results of the mixed methods evaluation design was used to characterise occurrences of organisational learning and change.FindingsThe authors identified different forms of learning (single-loop learning, double-loop learning, reflexive and reflective learning and situational learning). The extent of learning that could lead to long-lasting organisational change was limited. This was due to the project-based and organisational design, the key-based definition of RRI and the indeterminacy of what constitutes learning and change – both at the level of funding and performing the project. For organisational change to occur, the authors argue for governance mechanisms based on reflexive learning that consider a range of structural conditions and measures.Originality/valueOrganisational learning plays an important role in change processes, which has so far been given too little consideration concerning the governance and implementation of RRI through project-based funding. The authors argue for a restructuring of governance and funding mechanisms to create more space for reflexivity and learning.

Kottala, Sri Yogi; Sahu, Atul Kumar

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-03-2023-0041

Ergonomics usually reciprocate the study about people fitness toward working environment. In addition, financial distress refers a condition of organizations incompetency in generating sufficient revenues or incomes, which thereby refrain them to pay their financial obligations. This study aims to evaluate two independent organizational fields named as ergonomics in first phase and financial distress in manufacturing organization behavior in the second phase. The study presented a resiliency framework for operations and strategic management in the third phase based on various facts received from the distress organizations.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey based on plant-visit is presented. The study embedded two segments to explicate its novelty. In the first segment, the plant-visit case study is presented and in the second segment, an exploratory data related to financial distress is presented. The study tried to communicate observations related to multiple decision-making fields in single umbrella, where multiple concepts like ergonomics and financial distress of organizations as well as employees are presented. DEMATEL-ANP integrated approach is used to represent the critical financial distress dimensions of employees and their ranking.FindingsThe study provided insights toward connecting two independent fields named as ergonomics and financial distress in single umbrella. The study can benefit practitioners in designing policies and procedures in their planning model to effectively achieve organizational goals. The study presented 14 financial distress drivers of employees and advocated the aggregation of ergonomics and financial distress toward developing a holistic framework for attaining organization goals for sustainability.Originality/valueThe study presented a comprehensive understanding about multiple organization decision-making fields toward developing a holistic approach from different aspects for attaining organizational sustainability. The study can be fruitful in stimulating cross-pollination of ideas between researchers and provides a good understandability of ergonomics and financial distress in single roof.

Nakanishi, Yoshinobu

2024 The Learning Organization

doi: 10.1108/tlo-07-2024-309