Organizational Learning: As an Approach for Transforming to the Learning Organization Concept in Saudi Universities

Abstract

The aims of this study were to define the reality of applying the organizational learning as an approach for transforming to the learning organization concept, determine the important obstacles which appeared when applying it, and identify the suggestions which may contribute in applying it at Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University from the point of views of its faculty members. A descriptive method is used (survey) and a questionnaire of (60) statements had been answered by (200) of the faculty members. The most important results of the study have revealed the practice of organizational learning process (with a weak degree) at the university, and the presence of obstacles (with a high degree) that limiting the application of the organizational learning at the university, and the acceptance of proposals (with a very high degree), which may contribute to the application of the organizational learning process, and there are statistically significant differences in favor of females in the dimension of: (enhancing the organizational learning process), and in the dimension of:(provision a collective learning environment in the university), which represent the reality of organizational learning at the university. There are also statistically significant differences in favor of human sciences specializations in proposals for the application of organizational learning. The study recommended that the academic leaders at the Ministry of Higher Education and Saudi universities must work to promote the organizational learning culture and the concept of learning organization among the faculty members and university employees, and provide an environment that facilitates the organizational learning process at the university, and the establishment of academic departments specializing in the science of Learning organizations and organizational learning at universities as well as the establishment of the organizational learning centers within the university, staffed by experts and advisors in organizational learning, and provide counseling and guidance services for all employees at the university, and also for beneficiaries from outside the university.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n2p513