Factors Hindering Organizational Learning: Perspectives of Iranian Nurses

Background: Nurses can play a fundamental role in organizational learning being the largest group providing healthcare services; however, factors affecting their organizational learning are yet to be identified.

Aims: To explore factors hindering organizational learning from the perspective of Iranian nurses.

Study Design: Qualitative content analysis on in depth semi-structured interview texts.

Place and Duration of Study: Kerman University of medical sciences hospitals, between February and December 2014.

Methodology: We recruited 16 nurses (5 men, 11 women; with a mean age of 36.4 years) working in clinical wards of hospitals affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences. All interviews were transcribed verbatim immediately after they were conducted. Data were analyzed subsequently.

Results: The data analysis from 16 nurses included in the study, revealed 5 main themes, including undirected training, role ambiguity, unfavorable work conditions, inadequate professional capabilities and feelings of subordination.

Conclusion: Identifying factors hindering organizational learning from the perspective of nurses allows healthcare managers and policymakers to promote the quality of their nursing services and achieve patient and personnel satisfaction while facilitating organizational learning through designing need-based training courses for nurses, redefining nurses’ job description, revising nursing students' selection processes and trusting in nurses' capabilities.