Improving Yemeni higher education institutions' performance through learning organization, knowledge transfer and strategy adoption

• Main Author: Habtoor, Ammar Saleh
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: LB2300 Higher Education
• Online Access: https://etd.uum.edu.my/8095/1/s900205_01.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/8095/2/s900205_02.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/8095/

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the learning organization, knowledge transfer, and strategy adoption in improving the performance of Yemeni Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Based on the resource-based theory, knowledge-based theory, and dynamic capability theory, the study examined whether the learning organization and knowledge transfer have a significant effect on the performance of Yemeni HEIs. This study also examined whether there is a mediation effect of knowledge transfer in the relationship between the learning organization and organizational performance. In addition, this study investigated the moderation effect of competitive strategies in the relationship between the learning organization and organizational performance. The study employed the survey method, and data were collected using the census approach for the research population, represented by the deans or deputies of colleges from Yemeni HEIs. Out of 279 questionnaires distributed, 189 questionnaires were returned. Nevertheless, only 186 questionnaires were usable for further analysis, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study found that the learning organization and knowledge transfer have a significantly positive effect on organizational performance. Furthermore, the results indicate that knowledge transfer mediates the relationship between the learning organization and organizational performance. Another important result is the moderation effect of the cost-leadership strategy on the relationship between the learning organization and organizational performance. To conclude, this study offers important insights on the factors that affect the performance of HEIs in general and in Yemen, particularly. The results provide theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions. The study results also provide a useful guidance for future researchers, especially in developing countries; particularly, in the Arab world, where there is little research on the importance of the learning organization in improving performance.