Effect of Altruism on Organizational Learning Capability with the Mediating Role of Communication Conflict and Organizational Trust (Case Study: Staff of Red Crescent Provincial Branches of Gilan and Mazandaran)

INTRODUCTION: A critical importance has been attached to altruism and organizational learning capability in the improvement of organizational performance. In light of this significance, the present study investigated the effect of altruism on organizational learning capability with the mediating role of communication conflict and organizational trust in Red Crescent provincial branches of Gilan and Mazandaran. METHODS: This practical study was conducted based on a descriptive-correlational design. The statistical population included 107 managers, deputies, and heads of departments who were selected by convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included standard altruistic questionnaires developed by  Podsakoff, MacKenzie, Moorman, and Fetter (1990)  Podskov, McKinsey, Morman and Fetter (1990), conflict scale by Cox(1998), organizational learning ability by Chiva, Alegre, and Lapiedra (2007), and Organizational Trust Inventory (OTI) scale developed by Nyhan and Marlow (1997) consisting of 28 items. Moreover, the reliability coefficient for all variables is above α = 0.7. FINDINGS: Based on the results, organizational learning is enhanced by an increase in organizational trust, and organizational trust plays a mediating role between learning and organizational altruism. Communication conflict in organizations reduces altruism and organizational learning capability. On the contrary, high altruism and trust among employees will positively affect organizational learning capability and communication conflict. In other words, it increases organizational learning ability and decreases conflict among employees. CONCLUSION: Today, organizations are facing fundamental issues, including altruism, trust, organizational learning capability, and communication conflict. As evidenced in the current study, it can be concluded that organizational learning capability is enhanced by an increase in altruism and organizational trust. Furthermore, considerable efforts are required to reduce the effects of communication conflict through ongoing training and team building to increase altruistic behaviors and encourage staff.