Transforming into a learning organization? A study of challenges and conditions that leaders face when supporting the development of a learning organization

Abstract: The concept of learning organizations is one of the most popular concepts within management research. There seems to be a continuous need for learning in organizations as it equips companies to survive rapid changes in the internal and external organizational environment as well as competition. Still, the idea is challenging to implement, and researchers as well as practitioners call for a need to concretize the concept. This study aims to facilitate the practical development of learning organizations. Through a qualitative approach, a systematic literature review was conducted to explore recent empirical research on how leaders can support the development of learning organizations. Additionally, data was gathered from a case study at SSAB, including six individual interviews and two focus group interviews (N=13). The aim was to explore conditions and potential challenges for leaders to support the practical development of learning organizations. The systematic literature review results indicate that a leader needs to be aware of learning at all times through behaviors such as showing empathy, openness, creating a trusting environment, coaching, and supporting. It is not only concrete practices, but also skills, knowledge, and mindsets that the leader must develop and use situationally to support organizational learning. In the case study, the result of the qualitative content analysis concludes that potential challenges are prioritizing learning, developing a shared vision when dealing with change, and creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Furthermore, the results indicate the following conditions to be necessary; time for reflection and collaborative activities, fostering psychological safety, building relationships with employees, and adopting a learning mindset. Given that leaders have an important role in reinforcing learning, this research contributes valuable insights into how practitioners can support and build a learning organization. This awareness can help organizations manage conditions and potential challenges essential when developing a learning organization.