Organizational learning capability: a proposal of measurement Pilar Jerez-Go ´mez a, * , Jose ´ Ce ´spedes-Lorente a , Ramo ´n Valle-Cabrera b a University of Almeria, La Can ˜ada de San Urbano, s/n, 04120 Almeria, Spain b University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain Received 1 November 2002; received in revised form 1 October 2003; accepted 1 November 2003 Abstract This paper develops a measurement scale for organizational learning capability, supported by the results of a validation study covering a sample of 111 Spanish firms from the chemical industry. From a strategic viewpoint, the measurement scale identifies the elements that form learning capability, highlighting its complex and multidimensional nature. The evidence that the results provide regarding the scale’s validity suggests that we may use this tool in future research work requiring a measurement of learning capability. Likewise, the scale provides information that could be of use to those managers wishing to improve learning capability in their firms. D 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc. Keywords: Organizational learning; Strategic capability; Measurement 1. Organizational learning capability: a proposal of measurement The analysis of organizational learning has become an increasingly important study area over recent years. Various works have dealt with the analysis of this construct from differing viewpoints. There are studies that focus on this construct using a psychological approach (Cyert and March, 1963; Daft and Weick, 1984), a sociological ap- proach (Nelson and Winter, 1982; Levitt and March, 1988), or from the point of view of Organizational Theory (Can- gelosi and Dill, 1965; Senge, 1990; Huber, 1991). More recently, learning has been considered, from a strategic perspective, as a source of heterogeneity among organiza- tions, as well as a basis for a possible competitive advan- tage (Grant, 1996; Lei et al., 1996, 1999). From this latter approach arises the concept of learning organization, which implies a change in the traditional way of dealing with business management. Although research into organizational learning has pro- vided some relevant insights, there are still certain aspects that have not been sufficiently analyzed. On one hand, the widely accepted idea that organizational learning is an essential element to successfully compete in a global mar- ketplace (Prahalad and Hamel, 1990) comes up against the lack of empirical research that has been carried out to this respect (Garvin, 1993). Although various case studies have taken an in-depth look at the inherent complexity of the organizational learning construct (e.g., Leonard-Barton, 1992), measuring and empirically testing an organizational learning scale may contribute towards the field of study, making generalizable conclusions more easily drawn. Thus, we need to take into account the multidimensional nature of the construct, recognized in various studies (e.g., Senge, 1990; Lei et al., 1999). Our objective is to contribute towards the level of knowledge regarding organizational learning, developing a measurement tool that is adapted to its multidimensional nature. We test its validity and reliability in a sample of 111 Spanish manufacturing firms from the chemical industry. Designing this measurement scale may be relevant for various reasons. First, to facilitate work that allows the antecedents and the learning effects on organizations to be evaluated. Second, to identify the different dimensions from which it is formed and hence the underlying relationships. This would allow the evaluation of tools that are adequate for the provision of organizational learning. We first establish the concept of organizational learning, concentrating on its complex nature. We then develop a measurement scale according to this complex nature, paying particular attention to checking its validity. Finally, we set out the main conclusions and implications of the study. 0148-2963/$ – see front matter D 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc. doi:10.1016/j.jbusres.2003.11.002 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +34-950015183; fax: +34-950015178. E-mail address: mpjerez@ual.es (P. Jerez-Go ´mez). Journal of Business Research 58 (2005) 715 – 725