Publication date
2001Keyword
Organisational learning performancePassive orientation
Active orientation
Small manufacturing firms
High growth manufacturing firms
Knowledge assets
Growth
Competitive market conditions
Peer-Reviewed
YesOpen Access status
closedAccess
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Organisational learning is often presented as one way in which firms may respond to increasingly competitive market conditions by managing their knowledge assets in more effective ways. Although theoretically and conceptually plausible, there is limited empirical evidence, particularly from smaller firms, in support of this view. This study aims to provide some evidence that links organisational learning and performance. Extant theory suggests that organisational learning may range from a passive orientation (working within a current paradigm) to an active orientation (questioning a current paradigm) at both the individual and the collective levels. This study examines the learning orientations of 300 smaller manufacturing and service firms in terms of an active¿passive learning construct. The results suggest that higher-growth manufacturing firms have a more active learning orientation. These firms make greater use of knowledge assets than do their lower growth counterparts, and this may have important implications for the management of learning in smaller manufacturing firms.Version
No full-text in the repositoryCitation
Spicer DP, Sadler-Smith E and Chaston I (2001) Learning orientations and growth in smaller firms. Long Range Planning. 34(2): 139-158.Link to Version of Record
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-6301(01)00020-6Type
Articleae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-6301(01)00020-6