Abstract:

Purpose:
In today's competitive business context, knowledge is a critical factor for the success of any organization. Organizational learning as a strategic tool has been proposed in the field of modern management in order to gain a competitive advantage in the market. The goal of learning is not only to enhance the knowledge and skills of employees, but also to grow and develop the organization and build a flexible and innovative dynamic learning organization. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of a "learning" organization concept that is used as a starting point for further conceptual development by the authors. An additional purpose is to suggest what can be required of any organization to be considered a learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach:
Given the strategic role of organizational learning in establishing knowledge management and promoting the main goals of the organization, a representative literature has been considered that is important for organizational learning, its main goals, barriers and benefits. The paper presents and analysis a new perspective for today's organizational managers to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations with descriptive statistical analysis and DEA method.

Conclusions:
Key elements of the modern concept of development are knowledge, creativity and timely access to information. New scientific knowledge is necessary for the development of an organization in today's turbulent business environment, and innovation and scientific research by competent researchers is essential to acquire new scientific knowledge, which can be applied in practice.

Research limitations/implications:
A learning culture directs individuals and teams in the organization toward a common goal, facilitated by open communication, affective and cognitive trust and organic structure, as well as innovation. Workplace learning can be facilitated by information and communication technologies (ICT). Today, leading management and organization professionals are prescribing organizational learning as a cure for all organizational problems. There are a number of challenges for organizations in their path of growth, development, gaining lasting competitive advantage in changing environmental conditions. For the growing and better effect of organizational learning as a cure, the leaders of sophisticated organizations should recognize that learning is permanently assigned as an important part of the day-to-day activities of the organization at all levels, which represents an opportunity for the organization's success.

Originality/value of paper:
The results of research have shown that a learning organization has a direct impact on organizational commitment and performance. It is necessary to constantly encourage employees to develop their knowledge and experience and to be prepared to face the risks that are borne by modern business conditions. A learning organization, with a high degree of innovation, can be competitive in the market. Science, technology and development policy and planning should consider implementing a learning organization in research organizations.

Keywords:

Organizational learning, learning organization, innovation.