Improving business performance with organizational learning : A case study of factors affecting organizational learning and its relationship with business performance

Abstract: This thesis is an intra-organizational case study which investigates the concept of organizational learning and its relationship with business performance. Furthermore, factors affecting organizational learning are explored. A mixed method approach is used, combining quantitative data from a survey instrument called the Strategic Learning Assessment Map (SLAM) with qualitative data from interviews and observations. This thesis shows that at the studied organization the organizational level knowledge stock has the highest association with business performance, followed by the group level knowledge stock. The individual level knowledge stock and misalignment does not achieve reasonable significance. When it comes to factors affecting organizational learning, Organizational culture and information processing capacity were identified as main barriers. Furthermore, individuals at the targeted organization acquire knowledge in informal ways and they learn routines over heuristics which also were identified as main factors affecting business performance.