Adopting a Learning Organization Philosophy to Promote Knowledge Sharing in the University

Authors

  • Patrick Mhlongo Durban University of Technology

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34190/eckm.25.1.2549

Keywords:

Learning Organization, Knowledge-Sharing, Knowledge Management, Continuous Improvement, Higher Education. University of Technology

Abstract

Higher education institutions, as with organizations in other sectors, are operating in an environment characterized by rapid change, complexity, competition and stakeholder demands. Therefore, these institutions are continuously exploring and adopting effective strategic approaches to survive and remaining competitive. The Learning Organization philosophy is one of the concepts that has been predominantly adopted by organizations in the private sector in order to remain competitive. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of a Learning Organization philosophy as a strategy to promote knowledge-sharing across functional boundaries in a university. The study adopted a survey design underpinned by a post-positivism philosophical worldview. Hence, a cross-sectional design was adopted. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select participants from a population of employees at a University of Technology. The data collection instrument used in the study was a self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Overall, the findings of the study revealed that the adoption of a Learning Organization philosophy would promote knowledge-sharing beyond functional boundaries in Universities of Technology. Knowledge in an organizational context is regarded as a strategic asset and the Learning Organization is regarded as a philosophy that fosters knowledge creation and sharing. It is through learning that knowledge is created, and knowledge becomes useful when it is shared. Therefore, this study provides organizations, especially Universities of Technology, with necessary insights into the adoption of a Learning Organization philosophy as a strategy to promote knowledge-sharing beyond functional boundaries.

Author Biography

Patrick Mhlongo, Durban University of Technology

Patrick Mbongwa Mhlongo holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, specializing in Business Administration, from Durban University of Technology (DUT). He is currently employed as a Subject Librarian at DUT. His research interests include Systems Thinking, Higher Education, Educational Leadership and Administration, Library Science, Mixed Methods Research, Management Science, Administration and Leadership, Knowledge Management, Business and Organisational Research. Dr Mhlongo holds a number of academic qualifications which include MCom in Leadership Studies from University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN), MTech in Business Administration from DUT; Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management from UKZN, B. Tech Library Science from DUT and National Diploma in Library Science from DUT. He is also involved in Postgraduate supervision and currently serving in the departmental research committee. As a member of the departmental research committee, his role is also to review masters and doctoral research proposals.

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Published

2024-09-03