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Exploratory Learning as a Driver of Performance: Integrating the Effects of Knowledge Stock and Resource Flexibility in the Context of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Received: 12 April 2021    Accepted: 3 May 2021    Published: 4 June 2021
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Abstract

Exploratory learning is critical in building organizational capability for performance that guarantees future viability and sustainability of the business. Research delving into the nexus between exploratory learning and performance is limited in the context of developing economies. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between exploratory learning and performance and establish the conceptual nature of this relationship by determining the effect of knowledge stock and resource flexibility on this linkage and determine the effect of exploratory learning variables on performance dimensions in the context of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design in which a sample of 140 participants from commercial banks in Kenya was selected using stratified random sampling method. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered to management level staff. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were used for hypotheses testing. The results established that knowledge stock which was indicated by tacit knowledge, routines and procedures, and competencies and skills has significant influence on exploratory learning. It provides the capabilities for searching for knowledge of new markets, new technology and new product development. Exploratory learning has a statistically significant positive correlation with performance and has high influence on process efficiency, product quality and customer satisfaction. Resource flexibility was found to have moderating effect on the relationship between exploratory learning and performance. It was found that organizations gain value through bundling and leveraging resource portfolios in the management of scarce resources to the extent that priority is given to high yielding opportunities, cost effective projects and efforts that respond to market, product and customer changes. The study suggests that to enhance firms’ performance, firms should enhance their knowledge capacity, invest in exploratory learning activities and leverage resources for search and operationalization of new markets, new product development and implementation of new technology.

Published in Journal of Business and Economic Development (Volume 6, Issue 2)
DOI 10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16
Page(s) 104-114
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Exploratory Learning, Knowledge Stock, Organizational Learning, Performance, Resource Flexibility

References
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Paul Thumbi Njoroge. (2021). Exploratory Learning as a Driver of Performance: Integrating the Effects of Knowledge Stock and Resource Flexibility in the Context of Commercial Banks in Kenya. Journal of Business and Economic Development, 6(2), 104-114. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16

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    Paul Thumbi Njoroge. Exploratory Learning as a Driver of Performance: Integrating the Effects of Knowledge Stock and Resource Flexibility in the Context of Commercial Banks in Kenya. J. Bus. Econ. Dev. 2021, 6(2), 104-114. doi: 10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16

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    AMA Style

    Paul Thumbi Njoroge. Exploratory Learning as a Driver of Performance: Integrating the Effects of Knowledge Stock and Resource Flexibility in the Context of Commercial Banks in Kenya. J Bus Econ Dev. 2021;6(2):104-114. doi: 10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16

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  • @article{10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16,
      author = {Paul Thumbi Njoroge},
      title = {Exploratory Learning as a Driver of Performance: Integrating the Effects of Knowledge Stock and Resource Flexibility in the Context of Commercial Banks in Kenya},
      journal = {Journal of Business and Economic Development},
      volume = {6},
      number = {2},
      pages = {104-114},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jbed.20210602.16},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jbed.20210602.16},
      abstract = {Exploratory learning is critical in building organizational capability for performance that guarantees future viability and sustainability of the business. Research delving into the nexus between exploratory learning and performance is limited in the context of developing economies. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between exploratory learning and performance and establish the conceptual nature of this relationship by determining the effect of knowledge stock and resource flexibility on this linkage and determine the effect of exploratory learning variables on performance dimensions in the context of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design in which a sample of 140 participants from commercial banks in Kenya was selected using stratified random sampling method. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered to management level staff. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were used for hypotheses testing. The results established that knowledge stock which was indicated by tacit knowledge, routines and procedures, and competencies and skills has significant influence on exploratory learning. It provides the capabilities for searching for knowledge of new markets, new technology and new product development. Exploratory learning has a statistically significant positive correlation with performance and has high influence on process efficiency, product quality and customer satisfaction. Resource flexibility was found to have moderating effect on the relationship between exploratory learning and performance. It was found that organizations gain value through bundling and leveraging resource portfolios in the management of scarce resources to the extent that priority is given to high yielding opportunities, cost effective projects and efforts that respond to market, product and customer changes. The study suggests that to enhance firms’ performance, firms should enhance their knowledge capacity, invest in exploratory learning activities and leverage resources for search and operationalization of new markets, new product development and implementation of new technology.},
     year = {2021}
    }
    

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    AU  - Paul Thumbi Njoroge
    Y1  - 2021/06/04
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    AB  - Exploratory learning is critical in building organizational capability for performance that guarantees future viability and sustainability of the business. Research delving into the nexus between exploratory learning and performance is limited in the context of developing economies. The purpose of this paper was to examine the relationship between exploratory learning and performance and establish the conceptual nature of this relationship by determining the effect of knowledge stock and resource flexibility on this linkage and determine the effect of exploratory learning variables on performance dimensions in the context of commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design in which a sample of 140 participants from commercial banks in Kenya was selected using stratified random sampling method. Data was collected using a questionnaire administered to management level staff. Multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were used for hypotheses testing. The results established that knowledge stock which was indicated by tacit knowledge, routines and procedures, and competencies and skills has significant influence on exploratory learning. It provides the capabilities for searching for knowledge of new markets, new technology and new product development. Exploratory learning has a statistically significant positive correlation with performance and has high influence on process efficiency, product quality and customer satisfaction. Resource flexibility was found to have moderating effect on the relationship between exploratory learning and performance. It was found that organizations gain value through bundling and leveraging resource portfolios in the management of scarce resources to the extent that priority is given to high yielding opportunities, cost effective projects and efforts that respond to market, product and customer changes. The study suggests that to enhance firms’ performance, firms should enhance their knowledge capacity, invest in exploratory learning activities and leverage resources for search and operationalization of new markets, new product development and implementation of new technology.
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Author Information
  • School of Business, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

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