Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to examine the effect of organizational culture (OC), that is, group, developmental, hierarchical and rational culture on organizational learning (OL) of employees in electricity distribution companies of Isfahan province. Further, the role of the high-performance work system (HPWS) as a mediator between OC and OL has also been explored. Design/methodology/approach: Questionnaire survey method has been used for data collection, and data analysis was completed through a two-stage partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. At the first stage, the measurement model was examined for construct validity and reliability, whereas at the second stage, the structural model and by implication the research hypotheses were tested. Findings: Results indicate that OC positively affects OL. Further, HPWS act as a mediating variable between OC and OL. Originality/value: The findings contribute to the existing literature by demonstrating the mediating role of HPWS in the relationship between OC and learning.