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Purpose - The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between four independent variables - educational level, longevity, type of enterprise, and gender - and the dependent variable culture, as a dimension that explains organizational learning readiness in seven small-size business enterprises. Design/methodology/approach - An exploratory correlational research design was employed to survey 498 employees in seven small-size business enterprises in the Southern and mid-Western United States. Findings - Three pseudo-interval variables (education, longevity, and type of enterprise) accounted for 15.3 per cent of the variance in the dependent variable culture as a means to explain organizational learning readiness. Research limitations/implications - Generalizing results beyond the specific context of small-size business enterprise may not be possible. Thus, the interpretations are limited to the seven small-size business enterprises studied. Practical implications - Certain types of enterprises form learning cultures conducive to organizational learning readiness more than do others. Also, seasoned employees may have developed a keen sense for detecting deficiencies within the learning infrastructure. Originality/value - This study focused on variables not previously studied in small-size business enterprises that explain organizational learning readiness. Thus, the results of this study will benefit the small-size business entrepreneur interested in building a learning culture.

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