Abstract
Organisational learning (OL) has been a field of study interest of numerous researchers, particularly in business or commercial organisations. However, research done on higher education is still limited. As such, this critical study aimed to contribute to the body of literature on OL in higher education by examining the nature of OL in Namibian Higher education institution (HEIs). The study intended to achieve the aim by exploring the practice and institutionalisation of OL, factors influencing OL, perceived influence of OL and barriers and recommendations to improve current OL practices in Namibian HEIs.
This case study employed a critical and an interpretive paradigm. The study used multiple methods, namely, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis to generate data. The study findings revealed the practice of some OL activities in the HEIs such as collaborative research activities, conferences, short courses and other activities, although they are not well coordinated to maximise their contribution to OL in the institution. The research findings further showed that the nature of OL in the HEI’s process was negatively influenced by organisation factors such as organisational structure, leadership, organisational culture, power and organisational politics and external factors such as globalisation, changes in the environment and the fourth industrial revolution. Furthermore, the study findings indicate that the HEI’s limited funding from government has negative implication on its ability to engage in more rigorous OL activities and be able to compete with their peers in Africa and around the globe that are well funded.
The study concluded that a lack of coordination of OL activities in the HEIs, existence of hierarchical structure and existing anti-critical and divergent view leadership style do not only show lack intention by the institution to embrace OL as a means towards institutional efficiency and effectiveness, but it seriously impacts the growth and competitive level of the institution. The study recommends a change on the organisational structure, style of leadership and rethink on OL activities funding to realign them to institutional developmental goal. Such move would strengthen the institutional national and international competitive level. Keywords: organisational learning, learning organisation, organisational change, higher education and Higher education institution in Namibia.