The Mediating Role of Organizational Learning in the Relationship of Organizational Intelligence and Organizational Agility

Osong Public Health Res Perspect. 2016 Jun;7(3):190-6. doi: 10.1016/j.phrp.2016.04.007. Epub 2016 May 6.

Abstract

Objectives: Organizational learning is defined as creating, absorbing, retaining, transferring, and application of knowledge within an organization. This article aims to examine the mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship of organizational intelligence and organizational agility.

Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 at four teaching hospitals of Yazd city, Iran. A total of 370 administrative and medical staff contributed to the study. We used stratified-random method for sampling. Required data were gathered using three valid questionnaires including Alberkht (2003) organizational intelligence, Neefe (2001) organizational learning, and Sharifi and Zhang (1999) organizational agility questionnaires. Data analysis was done through R and SPSS 18 statistical software.

Results: The results showed that organizational learning acts as a mediator in the relationship of organizational intelligence and organizational agility (path coefficient = 0.943). Also, organizational learning has a statistical relationship with organizational agility (path coefficient = 0.382).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the improvement of organizational learning abilities can affect an organization's agility which is crucial for its survival.

Keywords: administrative staff; hospital; medical staff; organizational agility; organizational intelligence; organizational learning.