Cover
Volume 7, Issue 3 (2026)

Published: September 25, 2026

Pages: 165-184

Research Article

The impact of developing organizational sense making on self-directed learning: An analytical study at the Administrative Technical College / Baghdad

Abstract

The research aims to clarify the type of relationship between the independent variable, organizational sense and its sub-dimensions (context, language, cognitive frameworks, organizational identity), and the dependent variable, self-directed learning and its sub-dimensions (readiness for self-learning, self-control, planning, practice), The research was conducted at the Administrative Technical College in Baghdad on a sample of (100) faculty and staff members of the college. The questionnaire was distributed as the main tool for collecting information to the research sample, and (92) questionnaires were returned and deemed valid for statistical analysis, On the practical side, a number of statistical methods were used, including (reliability and significance tests, coefficients of variation and determination, arithmetic mean, and the outputs of the SPSS V.25 program). One of the most prominent results obtained practically was the existence of a statistically significant positive effect, The main effect of the independent variable, organizational sense, and its sub-dimensions, on the respondent variable, self-directed learning, and its sub-dimensions, are as follows: The most prominent research recommendations are: Working to strengthen informal communication channels, enhance language clarity, and improve work contexts and organizational policies to cultivate organizational awareness, while also fostering self-directed learning and emotional regulation.

References

  1. Ahmad, A. S., Muhammad, M. A. S., Kafafi, W. M., Salah, I., & Ahmad, F. (2017). Istratijiyyah muqtarahah qa’imah ‘ala al-ta‘allum al-maqlub li-tanmiyat maharat al-ta‘allum al-dhati fi al-riyadiyyat lada talamidh al-marhalah al-i‘dadiyyah [A proposed strategy based on flipped learning to develop self-directed learning skills in mathematics among preparatory-stage students]. Al-Majallah al-Dawliyyah lil-Ta‘lim.
  2. Azhari, M. Y., & Mahfuzah, R. (2012). Al-ta‘lim al-muwajjah dhatiyyan ka-istiratijiyyah badilah fi al-‘asr al-‘adi al-jadid: Dirasah mafhumiyyah [Self-directed learning as an alternative strategy in the new normal era: A conceptual study].
  3. Al-‘Amiriyyah, H. ‘A. (2024). Bina’ miqyas maharat al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan li-talabat al-saffayn al-‘ashir wa-al-hadi ‘ashar fi Saltanat ‘Uman [Developing a scale of self-directed learning skills for tenth- and eleventh-grade students in the Sultanate of Oman] [Unpublished master's thesis]. Kulliyyat al-Adab, Sultanate of Oman.
  4. Al-‘Ajab, A. M., Al-Sitri, Z. ‘A. M., & Salih, A. ‘A. (2024). Athar al-damj bayn asاليب al-ta‘allum ‘an bu‘d wa-istiratijiyyat al-tasa’ul al-dhati fi kitabah mawad al-ta‘allum ‘ala dafi‘iyyat al-muta‘allimin wa-maharatihim fi i‘dad khuttat al-bahth [The effect of integrating distance-learning methods and self-questioning strategy in writing learning materials on learners’ motivation and their skills in preparing a research plan]. Majallat Buhuth al-Tarbiyah al-Naw‘iyyah, 20(58), 755–792.
  5. Al-Sharif, A. M. A., Al-Banna, H. ‘A., & Qarni, Z. M. (2021). Fa‘aliyyat ba‘d istiratijiyyat al-ta‘allum al-munazzam dhatiyyan fi tanmiyat maharat al-tafkir al-ta’ammuli wa-al-tahsil fi al-kimya lada talabat al-marhalah al-thanawiyyah [The effectiveness of some self-regulated learning strategies in developing reflective thinking skills and achievement in chemistry among secondary-stage students]. Majallat Kulliyyat al-Tarbiyah, 17(116), 177–212.
  6. Ashwin, P. (2010). Taghyir al-ta‘lim al-‘ali [Changing higher education] (O. Lamis Isma‘il, Trans.). Dar al-Nashr wa-al-Tiba‘ah, Maktabat al-‘Ubaykan.
  7. Al-Raqqas, K. B. N. (2020). Al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan ka-madkhal lil-ta‘lim fi zill azmat virus kuruna al-mustajadd: Tasawwur muqtarah [Self-directed learning as an approach to education amid the COVID-19 crisis: A proposed framework]. Al-Munazzamah al-Dawliyyah, 3(4).
  8. Al-Samman, M. A. (2022). Fa‘aliyyat barnamaj tadakhkhul qa’im ‘ala al-yaqazah al-‘aqliyyah fi ziyadat al-qudrah ‘ala dabt al-nafs wa-tahsin al-suluk al-ijtima‘i lada al-atfal al-musabin bi-idtirab naqs al-intibah wa-fart al-nashat [The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based intervention program in increasing self-control and improving social behavior among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. Al-Majallah al-Tarbawiyyah, 1(103), 86–146.
  9. Al-‘Utaybi, K. (2015). Namdhajat al-‘alaqat al-sababiyyah bayn maharat al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan wa-asalib al-ta‘allum wa-al-tahsil al-akadimi lada tullab kulliyyat al-mujtama‘ [Modeling causal relationships among self-directed learning skills, learning styles, and academic achievement among community college students]. Al-Majallah al-Urduniyyah fi al-‘Ulum al-Tarbawiyyah, 11(3).
  10. Al-Karim, S. A., & Sa‘id, H. K. (2020). Ta’thir al-tarasuf al-istratiji fi sum‘at al-munazzamah: Dirasah tahliliyyah li-ara’ ‘ayyinah min al-mudara’ al-‘amilin fi sharikat SOMO [The effect of strategic alignment on organizational reputation: An analytical study of the opinions of a sample of managers working at SOMO] [Unpublished master's thesis]. Kulliyyat al-Idarah wa-al-Iqtisad, Jami‘at Baghdad.
  11. Al-Yasiri, W. W., & Al-Ta’i, ‘A. H. F. (2024). Al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan wa-ra’s al-mal al-bashari wa-ta’thiruhuma fi al-jahiziyyah al-tanzimiyyah: Bahth tahlili fi al-Jami‘ah al-Taqniyyah al-Wusta [Self-directed learning and human capital and their effect on organizational readiness: An analytical study at the Middle Technical University] [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Kulliyyat al-Idarah wa-al-Iqtisad, Jami‘at Baghdad.
  12. Juzi, H. ‘A. Z. ‘A. (2025). Istratijiyyat al-idarah al-fa‘‘alah fi al-nashatat al-riyadiyyah min al-takhtit ila al-tanfidh [Effective management strategies in sports activities from planning to implementation]. Majallat al-Kulliyyah al-Islamiyyah al-Jami‘ah, 3(84), 274–286.
  13. Hamzah, L. H., & Al-Ta’i, M. M. J. (2025). Dawr nazariyyat al-dhaka’at al-muta‘addidah fi al-takhtit li-i‘dad al-muwazanah al-‘ammah [The role of the theory of multiple intelligences in planning for the preparation of the general budget]. Majallat Kulliyyat al-Idarah wa-al-Iqtisad lil-Dirasat al-Iqtisadiyyah, 17(3), 255–275.
  14. Zayid, A. M. A. (2023). Al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan wa-al-kafa’ah al-raqamiyyah wa-al-‘azm al-akadimi lada talabat Kulliyyat al-Tarbiyah fi daw’ ba‘d al-mutaghayyirat al-dimughrafiyyah [Self-directed learning, digital competence, and academic perseverance among College of Education students in light of some demographic variables]. Majallat Kulliyyat al-Tarbiyah, 20(119), 361–425.
  15. Satuh, M., & Nabil, ‘A. Z. (2022). Waqt al-‘amal bayn al-dalalah al-ma‘rifiyyah wa-al-mumarasah al-tanzimiyyah: Muqarabah fi al-ab‘ad wa-al-tasawwarat [Working time between cognitive significance and organizational practice: An approach to dimensions and perceptions]. Majallat al-Mawaqif lil-Buhuth wa-al-Dirasat fi al-Mujtama‘ wa-al-Tarikh, 18(1), 223–243.
  16. Mubarak, N. S. (2022). Mutatallabat taf‘il al-mumarasat al-idariyyah lil-qiyadat al-akadimiyyah bi-al-jami‘at al-Urduniyyah [Requirements for activating administrative practices of academic leaders at Jordanian universities]. Majallat Kulliyyat al-Tarbiyah, 117(3).
  17. Muhammad, S. ‘A. R. (2011). Dirasah muqaranah lil-takhtit al-istratiji fi ba‘d al-jami‘at al-ajnabiyyah wa-imkaniyyat al-ifadah minhu fi tatwir al-ta‘lim al-jami‘i bi-Misr [A comparative study of strategic planning in some foreign universities and the possibilities of benefiting from it in developing university education in Egypt].
  18. ‘A’id, N. M. (2021). Waqi‘ al-mumarasat al-tanzimiyyah wa-al-idariyyah fi al-jami‘at al-Sa‘udiyyah lil-ibtikar wa-riyadat al-a‘mal min wijhat nazar a‘da’ hay’at al-tadris al-inath [The reality of organizational and administrative practices in Saudi universities for innovation and entrepreneurship from the perspective of female faculty members]. Majallat al-‘Arab lil-‘Ulum, 1(30), 295–314.
  19. ‘Ubayd, A. ‘A. J., & Al-Shudafi, M. G. (2023). Ta’thir al-takhtit al-istratiji ‘ala fa‘‘aliyyat ada’ al-munazzamat [The effect of strategic planning on organizational performance effectiveness]. Majallat Binha lil-‘Ulum al-Insaniyyah, 1(2), 61–88.
  20. ‘Atif, A. (2009). Al-mu‘allim wa-istiratijiyyat al-ta‘lim al-hadith [The teacher and modern teaching strategies] (1st ed.). Dar Usamah lil-Nashr.
  21. Shamkhi, M. M., & Al-Shar‘, R. F. (2024). Al-ta‘allum al-muwajjah dhatiyyan wa-‘alaqatuhu bi-maharat al-hall al-ibda‘i lil-masa’il al-lafziyyah lada talabat qism al-riyadiyyat fi kulliyyat al-tarbiyah al-asasiyyah [Self-directed learning and its relationship with creative problem-solving skills for verbal problems among students of mathematics departments in colleges of basic education]. Majallat Kulliyyat al-Tarbiyah al-Asasiyyah, 30(125), 1–15.
  22. Sha‘lan, ‘A. H., & Sa‘id, H. K. (2018). Dawr dugut al-‘amal fi idarat al-dhat: Dirasah istitla‘iyyah ‘ala ‘adad min a‘da’ al-hay’at al-tadrisiyyah fi Jami‘at Baghdad [The role of work stress in self-management: An exploratory study of a number of faculty members at the University of Baghdad]. Majallat Jami‘at al-Anbar lil-‘Ulum al-Iqtisadiyyah wa-al-Idariyyah, 10(22).
  23. Khalaf, ‘A. H. A. (2025). Ta’thir al-tawajjuh al-istratiji fi al-idarah al-rashiqah bi-tawsit al-hiss al-tanzimi: Bahth wasfi tahlili fi Wizarat al-Tarbiyah al-‘Iraqiyyah [The effect of strategic orientation on agile management through the mediation of organizational sensemaking: A descriptive analytical study in the Iraqi Ministry of Education] [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Jami‘at Baghdad, Kulliyyat al-Idarah wa-al-Iqtisad.
  24. Abolafia , M. Y. ( 2010 ) , Narrative construction as sensemaking : How a central bank thinks . Organization Studies , ( 3 ) , 349-367 .
  25. Albert , S. , & Whetten , D. ( 2004 ) . Organizational Identity . In M. J. 22.S. Hatch , Majken, Organizational Identity, Oxford : Oxford University Press.
  26. Arenius P. , ( 2012 ) , Creation of firm - level social capital , its exploitation , and the process of early internationalization , Doctoral dissertation , Helsinki University of Technology.
  27. Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D., & Tice, D. M. (2007). The strength model of self-control. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(6).
  28. Bean , C. & Hamilton , F. ( 2006 ) , Leader framing and follower sensemaking : Response to downsizing in the brave new workplace . Human Relations . 59 ( 3 ) , 321-349
  29. Befort , N. & Hattrup , K. ( 2013 ) . Valuing Task and Contextual Performance : Experience , Job Roles , and Ratings of the Importance of Job Behaviors , Applied H.R.M. Research , Volume 8 , Number 1 , pages 17-32
  30. Boland , R. J. ( 2014 ) . Sense - making of accounting data as a technique of organizational diagnosis . Management Science , ( 7) , 868-882 .
  31. Borman , W. C. , & Motowidlo , S. J. ( 2017 ) , Task performance and contextual performance : The meaning for personnel selection research . Human Performance , 10 , 99-109 .
  32. Bosch, C., Mentz, E. & Goede, R., (2019) ‘Self-directed learning: A conceptual overview’, in Mentz, J. De Beer & R. Bailey (eds.), Self Directed Learning for the 21st Century: Implications for Higher Education (NWU Self-Directed Learning Series Volume 1.
  33. Boudès , T. , & Laroche , H. ( 2009 ) . Taking off the heat : Narrative sensemaking in post - crisis inquiry reports . Organization Studies , 30 ( 4 ) , 377-396 .
  34. Brown , A. D. & Stacey , P. , & Nandhakumar , J. ( 2008 ) , Making sense of sensemaking narratives , Human Relations , 61 ( 8).
  35. Canipe, J., & Fogerson, D. (2006). The Literature of self- directed Learning: Dissertations. International Journal of Self- Directed Learning, 3(3), 34- 44.
  36. Chee, T.S., Divaharan, S., Tan, L.,& Mun, C.H. (2011). Self- Directed Learning with ICT Theory, Practice and Assessment.(1st ed). North Bunoa Vista Drive: Ministry of Education.
  37. Cornelius Johannes Kruger ( 2008 ) , “ w ed e Ma a e e t Matu ty from A Strategic Managerial Perspective " University Of Pretoria.
  38. Daft , R. , L .. ( 1992 ) . " Organization Design and Theory " ,4th ed , New York .
  39. Dutton . J. E. & J. M. Dukerich &C. V. Harquail . (1994 ), Organizational images and member identification . Admin . Sci . Quart . 39 , 239-263 .
  40. Esen, M., & Özbağ, G. K. (2014). An investigation of the effects of organizational readiness on technology acceptance in e-HRM applications. International Journal of Human Resource Studies, 4(1), 232.
  41. Ezell, D. (2013). Determining a difference in self-directed learning readiness using the survey of adult learning traits. (Doctoral dissertation). Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.
  42. Francom, G. (2010). Teach me how to learn: principles for fostering students self- Directed learning skills. International Journal of Self-Directed Learning, 7,1, 29-44.
  43. French , W.L & Bill , C.H .. ( 1999 ) , Organization development , 6th ed , prentice Hall ,new jersey
  44. Gephart R., ( 2017 ) , Hazardous measures : An interpretive textual analysis of quantitative sensemaking during crises . Journal of Organizational Behavior . ( 18 ) . 583-622 .
  45. Gioia , D. , & Chittipeddi , K ., ( 2019 ) . Sensemaking and sensegiving in strategic change initiation , Strategic Management Journal ( 12 ) , 433 448 .
  46. Haimes , G. ( 2016 ) . Organizational Culture and Identity : A Case Study from the Australian Football League , Unpublished Dissertation , Victoria University
  47. Harris , A. F. (2003) . Towards cultural competence :An exploratory Study of the relationship between racial identity contextual performance indicators of public employees . Unpublished dissertation , North Carolina State University , Raleigh , North Carolina .
  48. Hong Wang . ( 2016 ) . " Dealing with the Unexpected : Organizational Sensemaking within the Scope of Collaborative Leadership " , Master's Thesis in Education , Spring Term , Department of Education , Institute of Educational Leadership University of Jyväskylä .
  49. Ibarra , H. , & Andrews , S. B. ( 1993 ) . Power , social influence , centrality and proximity on 233 and sense making : Effects of network employee perceptions . Administrative Science Quarterly , 38 ( 2 )
  50. Ivancevich , j . , M. , & Matteson , M. , T . , ( 2014 ) , "Organizational behavior & Management ", 6th ed , McGraw - Hill Irwin , USA .
  51. Jay Liebowitz , ( 2001 ) , " The Current State in Knowledge Management " In Liebowitz , Knowledge Management Handbook " , Washington D.C. , CRC Press , USA .
  52. Jensen , T. B. , Kjærgaard , A. , & Svejvig , P. ( 2009 ) . Using institutional theory with sensemaking theory : A case study of information system implementation in healthcare , Journal of Information Technology , 24 ( 4 ) , 343-353 .
  53. Jeong , H.-S. , & Brower , R. S. ( 2008 ) . Extending the present understanding of organizational sensemaking : Three stages and three contexts . Administration & Society , 40 ( 3 ) , 223-252 .
  54. Jones , M.O .. ( 2006 ) " Studying organizational symbolism : what , how , why ? , New bury sage Inc. , USA .
  55. Judy Marie , J. ( 2004 ) , Faculty member responses to multiple organizational identities : jesuit , catholic , and University . Unpublished Dissertation , University of Maryland
  56. Karlsson, L., Kjisik, F., & Nordlurd, J. (2007). Language counseling : Internal communication during change management. Corporate Communications: An International Journal, 7(1), 46-53.
  57. McKenna , E. , ( 2020 ) , " Business psychology and organizational behavior " , A student's handbook , 3rd ed . psychology press , Ltd , USA.
  58. Mcshane , L. S. , & Glinow , M. , A. , ( 2017 ) , " Organizational behavior , " Irwin McGraw - Hill , USA .
  59. Merriam, S. B. (2001). The new update on adult learning theory. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
  60. Motowidlo , S. J. , & Van Scotter , J. R. ( 2014 ) , Evidence that task performance should be distinguished from contextual performance . Journal of Applied Psychology, 79 , 475-480
  61. Pintrich, P.R., & Schunk, D. H. (2004). Motivation in education: Theory, research and applications. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: 2nd edition Prentice Hall Merrill0.
  62. Rastogi , P. ( 2016 ) . " Knowledge management and intellectual capital the new Virtuous reality of competitiveness " , Human Systems Management , Oxford Press , UK.
  63. Saienko, N., & Lavrysh, Y. (2020). Mobile Assisted Learning for Self Directed Learning Development at Technical University: SWOT Analysis. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(4), 1466 - 1474.
  64. Salih, M., Simbawa, H., Baradwan, S., & Nuqali, A. (2016). Self-directed learning readiness among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study. Scholars Bulletin, 2(1).
  65. Sirakaya, Didem Alsancak, Özdemir,(2018) The effect of the classroom model on academic achievement, readiness for self learning, and motivation, Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Technology, Volume 6 - Issue 1.
  66. Smith , M. , Morgan , H. , A .. ( 2018 ) , Leading Organizational Learning : Harnessing the power Of Knowledge , San Francisco Press , USA .
  67. Sung Chul Park ,( 2007 ) . " The Comparison of Knowledge Management Practices Between Public and Organizations : An Exploratory Study " ,The Pennsylvania State University .
  68. Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F, & Boone, A. L. (2004). High self‐control predicts good adjustment, less pathology, better grades, and interpersonal success. Journal of personality,vol. 72,no.(2),pp: 271 324.
  69. Thorlacius , A. ( 2009 ) , Balancing Distinctiveness and Synergies An Interpretive Case , Prentice Hall Inc. , USA .
  70. Weick.k.E . & Quinn , R.E. , ( 2019 ) , " Organizational change and development " , Annual Reviews of psychology , 50 .
  71. Wiig , K. M. ( 2018 ) . " Knowledge Management: where did it come from and where will it go " Expert Systems with Applications., USA.
  72. Wright P., & Noe A., (2016) "Management of Organizations ", Irwin McGraw - Hill, USA.