Empirical Investigation of Organisational Learning Ability as a Performance Driver in Construction

Abstract

In this chapter, the impact of organisational learning competency on the performance of construction companies is investigated. A conceptual model is proposed for the measurement of organisational learning competency. The main components of the model are learning sources, learning mechanisms, and the organisational setting. Organisational learning competency is assumed to be high only if an appropriate organisational setting exists, as well as the mechanisms used for management of knowledge acquired from various sources. A questionnaire is designed to collect data about organisational learning factors and performance. Findings of the questionnaire answered by 85 Turkish contractors demonstrate that there are statistically significant differences between the performances of contractors grouped according to their learning ability. It is empirically proved that as the organisational learning ability increases, firm performance also increases.