P118 Organizational Learning, Competitiveness, and Performance: Empirical Evidence from Small and Medium Cooperatives in Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates the empirical impact of organizational learning (OL) dimensions on the competitiveness, innovation capability, and performance of Small and Medium Cluster Cooperatives in Malaysia. Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and dynamic capabilities framework, a quantitative survey was administered across six geographic zones in Malaysia, obtaining 576 usable cooperative responses. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate that information interpretation, distribution, and storage significantly enhance cooperative competitiveness and innovation. Surprisingly, information acquisition showed no statistically significant direct impact on either competitiveness or innovation. Both competitiveness and innovation were found to positively and significantly drive financial and non-financial performance. Practical and policy implications are discussed to guide cooperative leaders, regulators, and support agencies toward fostering effective internal learning ecosystems.