An analysis of the influence of organizational learning, inter- organizational networks, innovative culture and organizational flexibility on the resilience of Zimbabwean financial institutions

Abstract

Interest in organizational resilience soared in recent years in the wake of growing turbulence in the global business environment. Incidence of natural disasters, terrorism and other criminal activities, and accidents due to employee error, neglect or recklessness make daily headlines. Organizational resilience, though frequently invoked in organizational theory, has received scant theoretical development and a few studies have recognized the significant positive influence of organizational learning, innovative culture, organizational flexibility and inter-organizational networks in enhancing organizational resilience. This quantitative study analyses the influence of organizational learning, innovative culture, organizational flexibility and inter-organizational networks for the case study of financial institutions in Zimbabwe. A total number of 180 employees, working in selected financial institutions in Harare‟s CBD, provided responses for this research. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 16.0. The result suggested that these organizational critical factors are positively related to an organisation‟s resilience.Product innovation, technological innovation, policy flexibility, organizational learning and interbank networks were key to helping financial organizations achieve their mission and build resilience.