Do Age and Education Matter? Organizational Demography as an Influential Factor on Perceptions of a Learning Organization in Law Enforcement

Abstract

Scholars and practitioners have identified many important factors that influence the development of a learning organization or employees’ perception of that organization as a learning organization. However, in The Bahamas, there have been few studies that have empirically examined whether employees' perceptions are influenced by their educational level or by their age. This study focused on the perceptions of law enforcement officers of their organization as a learning organization at individual, team and organizational levels. Additionally, the study examined whether the officers' perceptions are influenced by their educational level and age. A total of 290 participants were surveyed and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVAs. The results from the study revealed that the officers’ perceptions of the organization as promoting learning practices and cultures are neutral, revealing significant differences in their perceptions related to educational level.