| This study explores the correlation between a nursing learning structure, called preceptorship, to organizational learning and performance. A quantitative approach was taken, using the Johnson and Schwandt (1998) Organizational Action Survey (OAS). The theoretical foundation for this research was Parsons' theory of social action systems. The constructs were explored through the lens of an organizational learning model developed by Schwandt (Schwandt & Marquardt, 2000). The unit of analysis was the nursing department. The two study groups were nursing departments with preceptorships and those without preceptorships. Fifty nurses were surveyed from each group.; Based on Parsoman theory, organizational learning is the function of two processes: learning and performance (Parsons, Bales and Shils, 1953). Study results demonstrate that preceptorships, as learning structures, influences nurses' perceptions of both the learning and performance processes within the organizational learning system. The two tailed t test for independent groups was used to analyze the survey data. This analysis revealed statistical significance for learning scores (sig. = 001) and performance scores (sig. = .007) for the preceptorship group.; Additional data analysis revealed differences between the groups in nurses' perceptions of how their nursing departments relate to their environment, achieve goals, coordinate subsystem functions, and manage tension using their cultural and value systems. Employee satisfaction was higher in the preceptorship group. The preceptorship group also had more favorable responses regarding their nursing department's quality of services and management practices.; This research suggests that the way that learning is structured in the workplace influences the facility's organizational learning capacity. It also suggests that the way that learners organize themselves influences organizational learning and performance. This study contributes to understanding organizational learning in health care settings. It adds insight into our understanding of the role of preceptorships in information dissemination and diffusion, both in traditional and non traditional settings. |
