| The purpose of this study is to compare the levels of organizational learning maturity of colleges and universities participating in traditional and non-traditional accreditation processes. A survey instrument was developed to quantify managerial practices at colleges and universities relative to the integral components of a learning organization. The surveys obtained the subjective opinions of faculty at twelve colleges and universities. Six of the institutions are accredited traditionally, while the remaining six are accredited using North Central Association’s alternative accreditation process, AQIP (Academic Quality Improvement Project). The importance of this study is based on the awareness that higher education is facing increasing accountability standards. Colleges and universities must take a proactive approach to remain competitive. The research focus was to determine if institutions pursing the AQIP accreditation process possessed a higher organizational learning maturity score than those utilizing the traditional accreditation process. |