The Army Learning Organisation Questionnaire: Developing a valid and reliable measure of Learning Organisation characteristics

This report describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Army Learning Organisation Questionnaire (ALOQ). Following a review of social sciences literature, four questionnaires used to measure learning organisation characteristics were identified, and then evaluated against specific validity and reliability criteria. Two instruments had the best psychometric properties: Marsick and Watkins’ (2003) Dimensions of a Learning Organization (DLOQ) and Goh and Richard’s (1997) Organisation Learning Survey (OLS). These two questionnaires were adapted for use within the Army using a three phase pilot process. The resulting questionnaire was named the ALOQ. The ALOQ was administered to the target population (390 Army personnel) and its psychometric properties were evaluated. The ALOQ statistical reliability was found to be acceptable; Cronbach alphas were found to be over 0.7 for dimensions. ALOQ validity was evaluated using both theoretical and statistical means. An exploratory factor analysis (N=3700 Army personnel) found latent factors in line with those found in DLOQ and OLS. Hence the ALOQ was found to be a reliable and valid measure of learning organisation characteristics, suitable for administration within the military.