| Although recent studies have demonstrated that learning organizations can achieve positive performance outcomes, there is an absence of research addressing whether religious organizations can benefit from these concepts. A primary purpose of this study was to investigate the status of various religious denominations as learning organizations. Surveys were completed of a random selection of 2,312 senior pastors from 34 denominations. Key research questions addressed whether there was a relationship among individual, team and organization-level learning initiatives and performance outcomes. Multiple regression analysis was completed on the data. Results showed religious organizations demonstrated substantial individual and organization-level learning but lacked proficiency in team-level learning initiatives and learning behaviors. It is recommended that religious organizations explore the benefits of team-level initiatives, including the development and positioning of learning managers who can foster these learning behaviors. Developing additional team-level learning initiatives in religious denominations could lead to improved organizational performance, which allows the organizations to more effectively adapt to changing social conditions. |
