Abstract:

This case study explores the extent to which the dimensions of learning organizations do exist in different colleges (science-oriented and humanities-oriented) at one university in the UAE and whether these colleges differ in their practice of the learning organization dimensions. A final aim of this study is to highlight the areas, which need improvement to create a learning organization for this specific university. The study utilized a quantitative questionnaire of 35 items based on the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), which was developed by Watkins and Marsick (1993) and (1997). The study found that the university faculty exhibited positive characteristics of the learning organization such as respecting others opinions and ideas, aligning class teaching goals to the university goals, changing teaching styles to implement new approaches, and continually work to clarify their goals. In contrast, the respondents felt that they are not always treated equally in team and committee work, they do not always agree on the way to achieve the university vision, and that they not always feel committed to a shared vision for the future of the university. The results help policymakers of this university reach informed decisions on the changes needed to improve the learning and professional atmosphere.

Keywords:

Organization Culture.