Replicating a learning organisation model in Spanish schools

This paper aims to identify a learning organisation (LO) model suitable for educational contexts and to test it in Spanish schools. Garvin's basic dimensions LO model was selected and adapted to the Spanish language and context through a questionnaire to be applied to a randomised sample of 17 educational centres from primary through high school. Two hypotheses were drawn vis-a-vis such basic dimensions: first, that no significant differences with regard to LO scores would be observed between different school levels; second, that no significant differences would be observed between different management roles. Results suggest a substantial learning culture might be in place. Regarding both hypotheses, no grounds have been provided to fully reject or confirm. However, significant differences have been found, mainly in aspects of leadership, both in H1 and H2. Overall, the study results stress the applicability of the general LO model to educational organisations.