Learning organization and work engagement: exploring the nexus in Indian IT sector

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of learning organization on work engagement in Indian IT firms. Also, this study provides a holistic understanding of antecedents of work engagement at the individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization. Design/methodology/approach The sample comprised of responses from 250 managerial employees’ working in IT companies based in India. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to analyze the proposed measurement model. The study utilized hierarchical multiple regression for testing the research hypotheses. Furthermore, incremental validity was examined to depict the variance contribution of the predictor variables (learning organization). Findings The results of hierarchical regression analysis revealed that learning organization dimensions have varied predicting effects on work engagement. The findings of the study showed that vigor and dedication were most significantly predicted by embedded system and continuous learning opportunities of learning organization where as inquiry and dialogue has the most significant influence on absorption. Practical implications This study offers concrete insights to human resource managers for developing prioritized composite-level interventions at individual, team, and organizational levels of learning organization for building highly engaged workforce. Originality/value Despite number of research works on work engagement, research is deficient in examining the role of learning organization dimensions (individual, team and organization level) in influencing work engagement. By investigating the relationship between learning organization and work engagement, the present study embarks to fill the paucity in academic and practitioner literature in the Indian organizational context.