DOMINIQUE BARUEL BENCHERQUI

Abstract:

 

This study examines organizational learning while drawing on the concepts of absorptive capacity and innovation, bearing in mind that, in today’s fast-changing business landscape, firms must innovate if they are to remain competitive. Using quantitative data collected from 2547 firms, our research looks, first, at the impact of organizational learning on innovation and then considers the question of whether the combination of organizational learning and innovation affords a competitive advantage to the firm. In addition, after conducting a number of statistical tests we shall validate the questionnaire design of surveys inquiring into the relationship between organizational learning and innovation. Our findings show that organizational learning has a crucial impact on innovation. Similarly, the pairing of organizational learning and innovation enables the firm to secure a competitive advantage on the market.

 

 

 

 

 

Abstract:

This study looks at commitment behavior regarding “VAE” programs in France intended to allow individuals to obtain certification or college credit for work-based experience (Validation des Acquis de l’Expérience), and at the individual’s intention (to adopt or reject) such behavior. These elements were examined using a Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. Accordingly, our research focus will be devoted to examining the factors liable to explain an individual’s decision to embark on a VAE procedure. After presenting an overview of the VAE procedure, starting from the time that the original application is submitted until the moment when VAE accreditation is actually awarded, this paper seeks to define the candidate’s intended commitment to learning activities by identifying the motivating factors behind his/her intended commitment and the various types of commitment behavior exhibited. Our decision to examine the VAE procedure in the light of TPB was predicated upon the fact that this theory is one of the most widely used psychosocial theories for predicting individual behavior (Ajzen and Cote, 2008). A quantitative empirical research method was employed, relying on a survey devised by the authors and applied to 137 individuals pursuing the VAE. The findings were obtained while using various statistical tools such as a logit model and linear regressions, which ultimately showed that an individual’s attitude toward his/her commitment to a VAE procedure, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms determined to his willingness to obtain either partial or full certification (accreditation). An individual’s commitment behavior is also explained by his intention, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and attitude. The discussion of findings will underscore the differences between predictions relating to individuals entering into training programs and predictions regarding those who commit to pursuing a VAE procedure. Similarly, a focus is placed on the role of support professionals who accompany VAE candidates. This paper highlights the fact that the behavioral intention model can act as an indicator of individual commitment to pursue a VAE procedure. Specifically, the Theory of Planned Behavior model designed by Ajzen (1985) can be used as an overall indicator of a candidate’s commitment toward pursuing a VAE procedure. Furthermore, our research has made it possible to validate the reliability of a survey used to gauge an individual’s intention to pursue a VAE accreditation opportunity.