BARRIERS AND INCENTIVES TO ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This study is a scientific research intended to observe and identify agents that facilitate or hinder organizational learning in a company. Initially, the objective and purpose of the study are addressed as well as the justification for the choice of the research theme. A review is made of theoretical references available with a critical conceptual analysis of aspects related to the theme. Then followed the methodology aspects of field research conducted in the form of an exploratory qualitative research including one case study. Research was carried out at Petrobras with documentary analysis, non-participant observations and interviews with members of management.  Interviews disclosed that the company's striving for survival, in view  of continuous  change and evolution, favors learning, however in  some situations, learning faces intentional or incidental hindrances. Since this is the study of a specific case, findings cannot be extended to other organizations of a similar nature nor generalized.  However an understanding was obtaine how the phenomenon of learning occurs and how it can be facilitated or hindered in an organization.