Investigating the dimensions of learning organizations questionnaire (DLOQ) in a Romanian private ophthalmology organization

Private ophthalmology organizations are knowledge-based institutions that need to adapt to changes from both external and internal environments. To ease the organization’s survival, a learning process is required at different levels: individual, team, group, and to the organization itself, triggering a learning organization (LO) transformation. The aim of this research was to assess the relevance and efficiency of the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) in a private ophthalmology organization from Bucharest, Romania. The DLOQ was translated from English into Romanian and administered to 113 nurses and physicians working in the private ophthalmology organization. The DLOQ includes the following dimensions: Continuous learning, Dialogue and inquiry, Team learning and collaboration, Embedded systems, Empowerment, Systems connections and Strategic Leadership. Data was analyzed using central tendency indicators, such as the mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, as well as the frequency, for qualitative variables. To be able to determine the comparison between the DLOQ dimensions’ scores and the professions of the respondents, several Mann-Whitney U tests were performed. The DLOQ’s internal consistency and its measurement validity were assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient values and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, respectively. The findings of the DLOQ implementation revealed that it is generally suitable to be used in the ophthalmology context. However, among the DLOQ dimensions, the Strategic Leadership dimension had to be removed, due to cultural and socio-demographic factors. No significant variations across professions and dimensions were registered. Although the DLOQ was developed for company settings, this study demonstrated that it could be successfully applied in health care as well. The DLOQ dimensions may provide valuable insights and understanding regarding the objective where further efforts should be directed. Also, through appropriate care management strategies, this instrument may contribute to the strengthening of the health care system, and particularly to the implementation of LO orientation in other medical specialties.