Building readiness for climate change: A study of organizational learning in the management of natural resources, northeastern Iran

Abstract

Readiness is critical to adaptation to climate change and includes how organizations adjust their structures, processes, and policies for both mitigation and adaptation. Organizational learning regarding climate change is the process by which organizations and institutions acquire the knowledge, skills, and capabilities necessary to understand, manage, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This process emphasizes continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration as key strategies for effectively responding to the ongoing climate crisis. The aim of this study was to investigate the current state of organizational learning related to climate change among the General Directorates of Natural Resources and Watershed Management in Golestan and North Khorasan provinces of Iran. The research was conducted using a survey method, through which 80 experts from two organizations were randomly selected to complete a structured questionnaire. The findings revealed that although employees have a strong attitude towards climate change, organizational learning related to climate change is weak. The five dimensions of organizational learning (knowledge acquisition, information distribution, information interpretation, organizational memory, information application) were assessed. Information interpretation had the most weight, while organizational memory had the least. Positive attitudes toward climate change were associated with increased engagement in climate change-related organizational learning. The study recommends implementing training and awareness initiatives, fostering knowledge sharing and retention, encouraging positive attitudes towards climate change, and promoting collaboration to enhance organizational learning as a prerequisite for organizational readiness to climate change.