ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING CAPABILITY AND FIRM INNOVATIVENESS OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN THE SOUTH-SOUTH OF NIGERIA

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Organizational learning capability and firm innovativeness of manufacturing firms in the south-south of Nigeria. The study offers an empirical assessment of the relationship as based on its model – 4 null hypothetical statements are put forward. The research design adopted was the cross-sectional survey and data for this study was generated from managers and key personnel of the target organizations using structured questionnaire. The study adopted the Spearman’s rank order correlation in its assessment for the bivariate correlations between dimensions of organizational learning capability (managerial commitment and system orientation) and measures of firm innovativeness (propensity to create new products and propensity to create new processes). The findings reveal significant relationships between dimensions of organizational learning capability and the measures of firm innovativeness. In conclusion, it was stated that organizational learning capability, through dimensions such as managerial commitment and system orientation, offers the necessary support, orientation and knowledge control for enhancing firm innovativeness.