UNDERSTANDING ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING IN MILITARY CONTEXTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH

By: Aisha Khalid Al-Mutairi, Hamood Saleem Al-Rahbi Saleem Published: June 5, 2025

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15599553

Abstract

<p>In an era defined by rapid global change and evolving security dynamics, military organizations must prioritize continuous learning to maintain strategic advantage and operational effectiveness. As emphasized by Revans (1983), internal learning must outpace external change to ensure organizational survival. This study explores the concept of the Learning Organization (LO) within a military context, examining the forces that support or hinder its development. Learning Organizations foster a culture of adaptability, innovation, and collective decision-making by empowering their members to contribute actively to organizational goals. However, many institutions continue to struggle with functional inflexibility, limiting their capacity to harness internal creativity and respond to unforeseen challenges or emerging opportunities. In contrast, other organizations have embraced forward-looking strategies and technological innovations that capitalize on human potential and institutional learning. Through a case study approach, this research identifies and analyzes the internal and external forces that support the evolution of a military unit into a learning organization. It also highlights the importance of cultivating an environment where knowledge sharing, strategic renewal, and participatory leadership drive sustainable development and long-term competitiveness. Ultimately, the findings suggest that organizational learning is not only a mechanism for resilience in the military but a strategic imperative for enduring success in a complex and uncertain world.</p>

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