STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING CULTURE: A STUDY OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of strategic leadership on organizational learning culture, focusing on how different leadership styles influence the development of a learning-oriented environment within organizations to help the organization achieve its long-term goal. The research specifically explored transformational, transactional, autocratic, laissez-faire, and democratic leadership styles, assessing their effects on employee engagement in learning activities and their contribution to fostering a culture of continuous learning. Using a mixed method of combining quantitative data collected via structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed to draw the sample for the study. The data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics while the formulated hypotheses were tested using Regression analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The study’s findings revealed that strategic leadership significantly affects organizational learning, as shown by a correlation analysis (r = .655, p < 0.05), demonstrating a strong link between leadership practices and employee engagement in learning activities. In addition to the quantitative analysis, qualitative findings from participants emphasized the importance of visionary leadership in embedding a learning culture. Many respondents highlighted the need for strategic leaders who not only set clear organizational goals but also encourage innovation and knowledge sharing across all levels. This insight underscores the pivotal role of leadership in fostering an environment that supports continuous learning and development. Overall, the study concludes that strategic leadership plays a vital role in developing and sustaining an organizational learning culture. Leadership practices that emphasize inspiration, motivation, and structured reward systems are most effective in promoting employee engagement in learning, thereby contributing to the organization's overall success and adaptability in a competitive environment.