ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING AND COMPETITIVENESS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE BUSINESSES IN EDO STATE

Although the literature suggests that organizational learning can help SMEs to face challenges in their environment, yet many SMEs in Nigeria have not adopted this method. This study examined the influence of organizational learning on the competitiveness of SMEs in Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to examine the relationship among knowledge management, organizational culture and organizational structure and the competitiveness of SMEs in Edo State. The study adopted a survey research design. Cochrane formula was used to determine the sample size of 385. Purposive sampling was used to identify SMEs across service sector in three local government areas in Edo State. The data were analyzed using multiple regression through the SPSS. The results revealed that out of the three dimensions used to proxy organizational climate, two dimensions: knowledge management and organizational culture were positive and significant predictors of competitiveness of SMEs.It was recommended that SMEs operators should establish knowledge management system; they should develop flexible
organizational culture and design an organizational structure that fits the nature of their operations. It was concluded that the SMEs stand the chance of achieving competitiveness through sustainable performance. The findings also have implications for SMEs operators.