Learning organization in mainland China: empirical research on its application to Chinese state‐owned enterprises

This paper examines the applicability of the learning organization concept and its measurement in a Chinese context. Based on the theoretical framework proposed by Watkins and Marsick (1993, 1996, 1997), this paper identifies the differences in seven of the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) between traditional state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) versus independent listed companies and companies in service versus manufacturing industries in China. Results indicate that the Chinese version of the DLOQ demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties. Service companies exhibit better learning practices than manufacturing companies; however, the independently listed companies failed to show better learning practices than their unlisted counterparts. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.