...Learning is the way we create new knowledge and improve ourselves. Brown and Duguid describe organizational learning is the bridge between working and innovating. Organizational Learning is a process to enable organizations to better use the knowledge of their members to make business decisions. In a conventional organization, decisions are often based on management perspective without taking into account the other members of the organization. A business using Organizational Learning recognizes the value added by including all of its members in the decision making process. A Learning Organization recognizes that a business consists of people and it takes a commitment from all in the organization to best obtain the organization’s goals. Through Organizational Learning an organization gains knowledge and develops skills to empower its members to work as a cohesive team. The following table saws some of the key differences between a Conventional Organization and a Learning Organization. Conventional Organization | Learning Organization | Locked into management’s views of methods and goals. | Flexible and open to new ideas. | Makes decisions based on what currently best fits the organizational structure. | 1. Willing to disregard the status quo in favor of innovation. 2. Management encourages all members to continuously rethink what they do, how they do it, and how they might do it better | Adapts and/or reacts to change. | Anticipates the future and strives to create services...
Words: 1453 - Pages: 6
...1 Student: ___________________________________________________________________________ 1. Which of these statements about the field of organizational behaviour is FALSE? A Organizational behaviour scholars study individual, team and structural characteristics that influence . behaviour within organizations. B. Leadership, communication and other organizational behaviour topics were not discussed by scholars until the 1940s. C. Organizational behaviour emerged as a distinct field around the 1940s. D. The field of OB has adopted concepts and theories from other fields of inquiry. E. OB scholars study what people think, feel and do in and around organizations. Which of these statements about the field of organizational behaviour is TRUE? A. Organizational behaviour emerged as a distinct field during the 1980s. B. The origins of some organizational behaviour concepts date back to Plato and other Greek philosophers. C. Information technology has almost no effect on organizational behaviour. D.The field of organizational behaviour relies exclusively on ideas generated within the field by organizational behaviour scholars. E. The origins of organizational behaviour are traced mainly to the field of economics. In the field of organizational behaviour, organizations are best described as: A. legal entities that must abide by government regulations and pay taxes. B. physical structures with observable capital equipment. C. social entities with a publicly stated set of formal goals...
Words: 15754 - Pages: 64
...Introduction Learning organizations is not a term familiar to many. The image that may appear in an individual’s mind when the term learning organization is mentioned may be that of a tutor, place of higher education, or even a church. While all of these could technically be defined as learning organizations, that is not the type of learning organization this paper explores. The learning organization literature that this paper explores is defined as the role of an institution in setting up a successful union of individuals to create learning to improve an individual and the institution as a whole (Calvert, Mobley, Marshall, 1994). This, of course, is a basic definition, and as the literature is explored, the reader quickly learns that learning organizations are as varied and diverse as the institutions within which they exist. The literature concerning learning organizations is also varied and diverse; ranging from simple, clear, and concise books and article to very detailed, in-depth, complex, and rigorous academic studies. Although the literature is exhaustive and at times overwhelming, by organizing the literature into common core areas, a reader can efficiently and effectively learn all there is to know about the learning organization, how to create a learning organization, and maintaining a successful learning organization. By thoroughly examining the literature in these three areas, an individual or institution will be able to thoroughly understand the entire...
Words: 6643 - Pages: 27
...1 of 17 Organizational Strategy: High Performance Organization vs. Learning Organizations? Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1839985 2 of 17 Introduction The High Performance Organization and the Learning Organizations are two concepts that have been studied extensively in the organizational change and improvement literature. This paper will compare and contrast these two perspectives on organizational effectiveness. These paradigms then will be related to a real organization with consideration given to practical approaches at improving effectiveness drawn from these paradigms. Survey of High Performance Organization A recent global study defines high performance organizations as ones where the following conditions hold: “people are valued, critical thinking is optimized, and opportunities are seized”(Annunzio, S. pg 3, 2004). The most common characteristics of high performance organizations are the following: “Flatter, horizontal structure instead of vertical hierarchy, work done by teams organized around processes; teams empowered to make decisions so management is decentralized and participative, empowered workers with high skill levels and cross-training; rewards for team performance, collaboration among teams, between labor and management, with supplier, focus on customers, quality, and continuous improvement, and flexible technologies (Kerka, S., 1995). Another study entitled “The High Performance organization: An Assessment of Virtues and Values”...
Words: 3991 - Pages: 16
...Introduction Organizational Learning has become an important theory in the development of leadership and organizational growth. There are many works available on the topic but Peter M. Senge’s book “The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization” is held as the foremost organizational learning concept that others have built upon. In 1990, Senge outlined the five disciplines as follows: 1. System Thinking: is the conceptual framework where organizations see the total picture to make effective change. It is considered the cornerstone of the disciplines. 2. Personal Mastery: is dependent on the commitment of the organization’s members to effect change so the organization may learn. 3. Mental Models: exposes the biases that we carry with us, which we may be unaware of. In order to learn and change it is necessary to “turn the mirror inward.” It opens the member to “learningful” conversations and other’s input. 4. Building Shared Vision: this is the shared commitment of the future goals of the organization. The key component of this discipline is that the vision is shared by the stakeholders and not dictated by the organization. 5. Team Learning: this is the foundation to the organization’s ability to thrive. It is a vital component of modern organizations as the learning unit is the team, as opposed to the individual. The teams must learn so the organization may learn. Senge defined his framework as disciplines because he considered them...
Words: 1828 - Pages: 8
...discontinuities , Product life cycle shifts, and Internal company dynamics) • Change is aimed at competitive advantage (Uniqueness, Value, Difficult to imitate) • Change is sytemic and revolutionary - Reshaping organization's design elements • Change demands a new organizing paradigm (gamma change) • Change is driven by senior executives and line management (envisioning, energizing, and enabling) • Change involves significant learning - Must learn how to enact the new behaviors Intergrated Strategic Change - Extends traditional OD process into content oriented discipline of strategic management • Key Features: - Strategic Orientation - Stratic change capability - Individual and organizations are integrated into the process • Applications Stages (Strategic analysis, strategic choice, and design and implement the strategic change plan) Organization Design - Configures the organizations structure, work design, HR practice, and management to guide members' behavior • Conceptual Framework ( Strategy, Structure, Work Design, HR Practices, and Management / Information Systems) • Application Stages (Clarify design focus, designing the organization, and implementing the design Culture Change • Concept of Organization Culture (artifacts, norms, values, basic assumptions) • Organization culture and organization effectiveness - Culture affects performance through its influence on the organization's ability to implement change • Diagnosing Organization Culture...
Words: 842 - Pages: 4
...Explain how organizational theory underpins the practice of management Organizations are ‘social arrangements for the controlled performance of collective goals’. Organizational theory and management theory is used in many aspects of a working business. Many people strive to adhere to the theory to help them become better at their jobs or more successful in life, although this may lead to them having to sacrifice some of their personal principles in order to succeed. One example of following organizational theory in the financial sector would be an employee or manager who wants to know how to achieve goals by having a set structure to follow. In addition, someone in a human resources sector will have to make decisions through their working day that will undoubtedly change the structure and practice of a working day of all other employees in the company. If an individual gets so wrapped up in trying to fit the mold of what the interpret their role should be in terms of organizational theory, they may start to neglect others areas of business. In the some way, management theory may also underpin the personal values of some individuals. For instance, they may disagree with a particular rule or regulation that has been introduced by the company, however in order to carry out their job as a manager effectively and professionally, they need to move away from their principles and execute the job. It is difficult to try to execute both management and organizational theories as a psychological...
Words: 511 - Pages: 3
...it is a learning organization Introduction With the advance of economy, the competitions between enterprises are increasingly fierce. The research about organizational learning (OL) can be traced back to 1970s, Argyris and Schön gave a definition that diagnoses and corrects the mistake of organizations. Later, Huber (1991) published one of the most superior views about OL that during the processing of information, if the organizations’ potential behavior is changed, organizational learning has been generated in this process. Until Senge published his book named “THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE-The art & Practice of the learning organization” in 1990, the research of organizational learning enters to the climax. Basic meaning of the learning organization is that an organization is continuous expending to create its future and it has been aimed to growth the ‘knowledge intensity’ of enterprises (Senge, 1990). However, whether in theory or practice in enterprises, learning organization and organizational learning are extremely easy to confuse the two concepts. Generally, many people believe that organizational learning and learning organization are two interchangeable concepts; but from the academic point of view, the two thoughts closely related while having qualitative difference. Just like the title says, a learning organization is not an organization, which can learn. This article will start from the definition of organizational learning and learning organization...
Words: 4594 - Pages: 19
...Organizational Behavior An Evidence-Based Approach Twelfth Edition Fred Luthans George Holmes Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Nebraska Me Graw Hill Boston Burr Ridge, IL Dubuque, IA Madison, Wl New York San Francisco St. Louis Bangkok Bogota Caracas Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan Montreal New Delhi Santiago Seoul Singapore Sydney Taipei Toronto Contents About the Author Preface v PART ONE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT Evidence-Based Consulting Practices 1 iv Organizational Behavior Case: Conceptual Model: Dream or Reality? 30 Chapter 2 Environmental Context: Globalization, Diversity, and Ethics 31 1 Learning Objectives 31 Globalization 31 Diversity in the Workplace 34 Chapter 1 Introduction to Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach 5 Learning Objectives 5 The Challenges Facing Management 6 Undergoing a Paradigm Shift 8 A New Perspective for Management 10 Evidence-Based Management 12 Historical Background: The Hawthorne Studies Reasons for the Emergence of Diversity 35 Developing the Multicultural Organization 38 Individual Approaches to Managing Diversity 39 Organizational Approaches to Managing Diversity 41 Ethics and Ethical Behavior in Organizations 46 47 The Impact of Ethics on "Bottom-Line " Outcomes 13 The Illumination Studies: A Serendipitous Discovery 13 Subsequent Phases of the Hawthorne Studies 14 Implications of the Hawthorne Studies 15 Research Methodology to Determine Valid Evidence...
Words: 2562 - Pages: 11
...Organizational Behavior An Evidence-Based Approach Twelfth Edition Fred Luthans George Holmes Distinguished Professor of Management, University of Nebraska Me Graw Hill Boston Burr Ridge, IL Dubuque, IA Madison, Wl New York San Francisco St. Louis Bangkok Bogota Caracas Kuala Lumpur Lisbon London Madrid Mexico City Milan Montreal New Delhi Santiago Seoul Singapore Sydney Taipei Toronto Contents About the Author Preface v PART ONE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT Evidence-Based Consulting Practices 1 iv Organizational Behavior Case: Conceptual Model: Dream or Reality? 30 Chapter 2 Environmental Context: Globalization, Diversity, and Ethics 31 1 Learning Objectives 31 Globalization 31 Diversity in the Workplace 34 Chapter 1 Introduction to Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach 5 Learning Objectives 5 The Challenges Facing Management 6 Undergoing a Paradigm Shift 8 A New Perspective for Management 10 Evidence-Based Management 12 Historical Background: The Hawthorne Studies Reasons for the Emergence of Diversity 35 Developing the Multicultural Organization 38 Individual Approaches to Managing Diversity 39 Organizational Approaches to Managing Diversity 41 Ethics and Ethical Behavior in Organizations 46 47 The Impact of Ethics on "Bottom-Line " Outcomes 13 The Illumination Studies: A Serendipitous Discovery 13 Subsequent Phases of the Hawthorne Studies 14 Implications of the Hawthorne Studies 15 Research...
Words: 2562 - Pages: 11
...44551 4. Mr. Sor Sophal, Number: 44505 5. Mr. Nou Ratana, Number: 44502 Discussion Questions. 1. Apply contingency theory to the practice of job descriptions. How can contingency theory explain the current situation in which some organizations use job descriptions and others choose not to use them? 2. Which contingencies might affect the use of job description? Describe a specific situation that would be favorable for the use of job descriptions. Now describe another situation that would be unfavorable for the effective use of job descriptions. 3. Do you think job description support or hinder the goal of learning organization approach? Group Discussion 1. Contingency theory is a class of behavioral theory that claims that there is no best way to organize a corporation, to lead a company, or to make decisions. Instead, the optimal course of action is contingent (dependent) upon the internal and external situation. Several contingency approaches were developed concurrently in the late 1960s. They suggested that previous theories such as Weber's bureaucracy and Taylor's scientific management had failed because they neglected that management style and organizational structure were influenced by various aspects of the environment: the contingency . CONTINGENCY THEORY (STRUCTURAL) Contingency theory states that the most effective organizational characteristics are those that fit the contingency variables. For instance, specialization in an organization produces...
Words: 1964 - Pages: 8
...The Examination of Leadership Theories in Education and Organizations Katrenia McPhail-Dickerson Strayer University EDU 500 Adult Learning Theory Dr. Claudia Rosenberg May 5, 2012 Introduction There have been several research studies on leadership theories that have been conducted for a variety of purposes. The concept of Leadership is one of the most researched subjects in the world. Leadership theories have become more prevalent in all walks of life. By examining effective adult learning strategies, companies can gain valuable knowledge to advance their organization and prepare their future leaders with the necessary tools to be successful. This paper will examine some of the research conducted on the following leadership and educational theories: Spiritual, and Transformational. Finally, each of the theories will be compared and contrast to one another for the purpose of examining their strengths for possible utilization and integration of models within an organizational setting. Spiritual Leadership and Education Spiritual leadership consist of developing a focus on one’s self and achieving balance for the betterment of the individuals well being. Therefore, balance is achieved by spiritual interests and the ability to build and maintain leader-follower relationships (Wolf, 2004). The Spiritual leadership theory is relevant to current work environment challenges such as, disengaged employees, reduced employee morale and...
Words: 1425 - Pages: 6
...Senge's learning organization theory- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK peter senge and the learning organization Peter Senge’s vision of a learning organization as a group of people who are continually enhancing their capabilities to create what they want to create has been deeply influential. We discuss the five disciplines he sees as central to learning organizations and some issues and questions concerning the theory and practice of learning organizations. contents: introduction · peter senge · the learning organization · systems thinking – the cornerstone of the learning organization · the core disciplines · leading the learning organization · issues and problems · conclusion · further reading and references · links Peter M. Senge (1947- ) was named a ‘Strategist of the Century’ by the Journal of Business Strategy, one of 24 men and women who have ‘had the greatest impact on the way we conduct business today’ (September/October 1999). While he has studied how firms and organizations develop adaptive capabilities for many years at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), it was Peter Senge’s 1990 book The Fifth Discipline that brought him firmly into the limelight and popularized the concept of the ‘learning organization'. Since its publication, more than a million copies have been sold and in 1997, Harvard Business Review identified it as one of the seminal management books of the past 75 years. On this page we explore Peter Senge’s vision of the learning organization. We will...
Words: 8891 - Pages: 36
...system, financial procedures or organization’s culture is all internal changes, where else external change include technological change, social or political change or economical change. All these happenings have a major impact on the environment as well as on the organization's growth. Researches have shown that the question of concern is “What is the importance of organizational change model?” The Models assist the managers to understand change in a wider scope as why change occurs (the causes and drivers), how and to which extent the change will occur (the timings, procedures and stages), and what will be the outcome of the changes (its effects and ways to measure). It is wise to review different models by researchers, as each model will give us a clearer picture and understanding about the aspects of change. Furthermore, We shall discuss the effect of changes in organizations on environment and one of the Change Models. Kurt Levin’s Change Model The author Kurt Lewin has design the approach of force field theory that was constructed by Lewin (1951) and became one of the most cited theories in the field of organizational change. While supporting that the notion of change that can occurs in three different stages while engaging in the idea of force...
Words: 1253 - Pages: 6
...[pic] | |peter senge and the learning organization | | | |Peter Senge’s vision of a learning organization as a group of people who are | | | | |continually enhancing their capabilities to create what they want to create has been | | | | |deeply influential. We discuss the five disciplines he sees as central to learning | | | | |organizations and some issues and questions concerning the theory and practice of | | | | |learning organizations. | | | | | | | | |contents: introduction | peter senge | the learning organization | systems thinking – the cornerstone of the | | | |learning organization | the core disciplines | leading the learning organization | issues and problems | | | | |conclusion | further reading and references | links | | | |Peter M. Senge (1947- ) was named a ‘Strategist of the Century’ by the Journal of Business...
Words: 6684 - Pages: 27
