Abstract:
Dissertation Title: The Relationship of Organizational Learning and Competitive
Advantage: A Case Study of Petroleum Companies of Pakistan
The concept of organizational learning has been the area of attention for academicians,
practitioners, and researchers for decades. Organizational developments as a subject
realized the significance of cognitive learning and behavioral development; and embraced
the idea of ‘learning organization’ because of its potential to create and sustain
competitive advantage in an organization. The purpose of the study is to explore the
characteristics of a learning organization and examine the relationship of organizational
learning and competitive advantage. Knowledge acquired is disseminated through
learning in organization. It is noted that the petroleum companies are knowledge
intensive and learning oriented, equipped with latest technologies and facing intense
competition. In Pakistan, no empirical research work has been done to explore the
concept of learning organization to date. Literature review revealed systems thinking,
mental models/culture, shared vision/mission, leadership, knowledge/information flow,
personal mastery and team learning as antecedents of a learning organization. Survey
questionnaire was distributed in all four strata of petroleum companies and in response of
225 questionnaires 170 were received back, out of which 165 were valid. Multiple
regression analytic technique was applied to test the hypotheses. Statistical analysis
revealed that all chosen characteristics of a learning organization significantly contribute
towards achievement of competitive advantage. Shared vision and systems thinking
emerged as most significant contributors. This study signifies the impact of learning to
achieve competitive advantage and requires the attention of executives and practitionersv
of organization development. It demands that the concept of learning organization if
implemented with strategic intent in petroleum companies of Pakistan can be a
sustainable source to develop and prepare organizations to cope up and adapt the
environmental changes proactively.
