Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing in Cooperative Networks

Abstract

In the era of knowledge-based economies, the ability of cooperatives to manage organizational learning and cross-entity knowledge sharing is a key factor in sustainability and innovation. This research aims to explore the dynamics of organizational learning and knowledge sharing in cooperative networks, as well as identify the factors that support and hinder the process. Using a qualitative approach with a multi-case study design, data was collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis from eight cooperative networks in Indonesia. The analysis was carried out using a thematic method assisted by NVivo 14 and a simple social network analysis approach. The results of the study show that face-to-face meeting methods are still dominant in sharing knowledge, but the adoption of digital platforms is starting to increase in line with the need for adaptation in the post-pandemic era. Inter-cooperative mentoring has proven to be effective in accelerating collective learning, although this scheme is still informal. Limitations of explicit documentation and digital literacy gaps were identified as major barriers. The implications of this study are the importance of building hybrid learning strategies, strengthening digital literacy, and developing a collective documentation system in cooperative networks. This research contributes to strengthening the capacity of cooperatives as an innovative learning ecosystem that is adaptive to global changes.