| dc.description.abstract | Learning organization is not only one of the most recent concepts but also is strongly and
closely linked to the concept of change management which is currently at the heart of
every organization that not only desires to succeed but also to survive in this uncertain
and dynamic global environment. Kenya Shell Ltd is one of the main Multinational players
in the Kenyan Petroleum Industry that continues to undergo market transformation
within the uncertain, dynamic and unpredictable environment. It is also the latest multinational
in the Kenyan petroleum industry to engage in ownership restructuring move in
Kenya. Bearing in mind it’s a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch Shell that has played a significant
role globally in contributing to the pool of knowledge in the field of the learning
organization, no wonder the researcher established that the organization is committed to
practicing learning organization disciplines.
This research work had two objectives, to determine the extent to which learning organization
disciplines are practiced at Kenya Shell Ltd and to establish the factors influencing
the learning organization practices. In order to achieve this objectives personal interview
were carried out with senior managers (Their assistants in some cases) by help of an interview
guide. The main dimensions determined are; Continuous Learning, Inquiry and
dialogue, collaboration and team learning, Embedded systems, Empowerment, System
connections and Leadership.
It was determined that Kenya shell ltd practiced learning organization disciplines to a
large extent. The researcher found out that the organization is not only aware of the
learning organization discipline but has integrated the disciplines into its processes, tools
and programs to a large extent. The researcher further established the factors that influence
the learning organization practices in the organization. The main factor established
is the role of the parent organization (Royal Dutch Shell) via strategies, targets and goals
to the local organization and the knowledge of learning organization. This is consistent
with the arguments that De Geus, 1997;Senge, 1994) Royal Dutch Shell has played a significant
role globally in contributing to the pool of knowledge in the field of the learning organization such as the development of the concepts of scenario planning and the living
company.
The study concluded that the organization to a large extent is practicing the learning organization
disciplines which provide a conducive environment for anticipating, embracing
and creating change. Therefore this ability to be more proactive and effective in managing
change in this continuously dynamic environment should be used to give a more
competitive advantage to the organization during the current strategic change involving
ownership restructuring in Kenya. | en |
