Benchmarking the learning capability of organizations

Implementation of organizational learning is complicated by the lack of a systematic approach that includes the measurement of learning capability. We propose that by identifying and measuring the essential organizational characteristics and management practices that promote organizational learning, one could develop a benchmark of learning capability that would enable managers to design interventions to overcome specific barriers in building a learning organization. Based upon a review of the literature, we developed an Organizational Learning Survey (OLS) to measure learning capability. Our research with five different organizations indicates that the OLS does discriminate between organizations on those characteristics important to learning. We also discuss the implications of using such an approach for intervention and change in building more effective learning organizations. The paper also discusses other perspectives of organizational learning, some of the limitations of the OLS measurement scale and future research directions.