Effects of organisational development practices on the organisational learning ability of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Rwanda

Purpose In resource-constrained non-profit environments, organisational learning is a critical capability for adaptation, innovation and sustained impact. This study aims to examine the effects of organisational development (OD) practices on the organisational learning ability (OLA) of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Rwanda. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative explanatory design was adopted, complemented by a secondary data review for triangulation. A stratified random sample of 302 respondents was drawn from 1,339 registered NGOs in Rwanda. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to assess the level, relationship, and effects of OD practices on OLA. Findings Results indicate that both OD practices and OLA are moderately developed within local NGOs in Rwanda. A very strong and statistically significant relationship was found between OD practices and OLA (r = 0.944, p < 0.01). Regression analysis shows that OD practices explain 94.4% of the variance in OLA. Communication systems, strategic integration of learning, and supportive organisational culture emerge as the strongest positive drivers of learning capacity. However, external learning, knowledge application, and reflective mechanisms show weaker or negative effects, highlighting implementation and contextualization challenges in translating learning into practice. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the OD–OLA relationship in a developing country context, demonstrating that the effects of OD practices on learning capacity vary across dimensions, offering a nuanced contribution to organisational learning literature.