Psychometric properties of the learning organization perception scale in Iranian universities of medical sciences

Abstract

Organizations, particularly higher education centers, play a crucial role in fostering learning through various mechanisms and structures. The cultural and contextual factors of a country significantly influence organizational dynamics. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Learning Organization Perception Measurement Scale within Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences. The validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Learning Organization Comprehension Scale (LOCS) was evaluated among 176 faculty members from Isfahan, Arak, and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences. Construct validity was confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis, with exploratory factor analysis omitted due to the well-established structure of the original scale. Reliability was excellent, with Cronbach's alpha exceeding 0.70 for the total scale and all subscales, confirming the Persian LOCS as psychometrically sound. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.93 for the entire questionnaire, 0.79 for the personal mastery component, 0.81 for mental models, 0.83 for shared visions, 0.86 for team learning, and 0.85 for system thinking. The chi-square index per degree of freedom for the five-factor model was 1.466, while this index was 2.147 in the single-factor model. Modification to use of the five-factor model was done to improve the model indices; therefore, the chi-square index per degree of freedom (chi 2/df) decreased to 1.374. Also, the comparative fit indices (CFI) increased to 0.91, the incremental fit index (IFI) increased to 0.91, the goodness-of-fit index (GFI) increased to 0.79, and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) decreased to 0.05. In education, learning organizations require personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking. These elements promote growth, decision-making, unity, and complexity handling. Assessing and improving educators' abilities in these areas is crucial for addressing challenges and fostering successful learning environments.