The learning orgsanisation and competitive advantage: A study of the service sector

Oyateru, Dupe (2011) The learning orgsanisation and competitive advantage: A study of the service sector. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between the learning organisation and
competitive advantage in the service sector. The research analyses four companies from the
service sector to establish the link between learning and competitive advantage. The literature
suggests that learning organisations are more competitive and better able to cope with
changes in the external environment. The literature provided in this research is based on the
relevant theories and concepts surrounding the topic area and has informed the researcher in
developing the research questions and choosing the research strategy for this study. Twenty
organisations were invited to participate however it was only five that sent in their responses.
Time and the location of some of the respondents were constraints in conducting the research
so data was collected via email as it was the most appropriate option available to the
researcher.
Overall the findings from this research were in line with what the literature states. Learning
can be and is used as a competitive tool in the organisation to cope with changes in both the
external and internal environment. However, Contrary to what the literature proposes,
individual learning can be just as competitive as collective learning depending on the
organisation’s culture. This leads to the role of culture the learning organisation; culture has
been known to facilitate or hinder the learning processes in organisations. This researcher
further highlights the role of culture in information and knowledge sharing. From the findings
of this research culture plays a major role in the transfer of knowledge and learning within the
organisation.
The main conclusion drawn from this research is that although learning can be competitive an
organisation should not rely solely on learning as their competitive advantage but should
strive to remain competitive in all other areas of the business using learning in conjunction
with all other resources in a company.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Competition > Competitive Advantage H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Training and Development
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Timothy Lawless
Date Deposited:	18 Oct 2011 10:31
Last Modified:	28 Apr 2012 10:52
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/567

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