...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
...An organization that learns does not automatically mean that 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...
Words: 4594 - Pages: 19
...The Congruence Model by: Nadler & Tushmans Aligning the Drivers of High Performance [pic] Performance comprises four interlocking elements. © iStockphoto/dt03mbb Is your organization's performance as good as it could be? What could be changed to improve things and why would this help? Does the key lie in the work itself? Or with the people doing it? Should you reorganize the corporate structure? Or try to change the prevailing culture? And why does one organization seem to thrive on a certain corporate structure or type of work, while another struggles to make a profit? The answer lies in understanding the key causes or drivers of performance and the relationship between them. The Congruence Model, first developed by David A Nadler and M L Tushman in the early 1980s, provides a way of doing just this. It's a powerful tool for finding out what's going wrong with a team or organization, and for thinking about how you can fix it. Understanding the Tool The Congruence Model is based on the principle that an organization's performance is derived from four elements: tasks, people, structure, and culture. The higher the congruence, or compatibility, amongst these elements, the greater the performance. For example, if you have brilliant people working for you, but your organization's culture is not a good fit for the way they work, their brilliance will not shine through. Likewise, you can have the latest technology and superbly streamlined processes to support...
Words: 2616 - Pages: 11
...Running Header: LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS REFLECTIONS 1 Learning Organizations Reflections Lesley R Taylor Moore OMM625 Learning Organizations & Effectiveness Dr Karen Pence March 13, 2013 LEARNING ORGANIZATIONS REFLECTIONS 2 Thinking back to the many organizations that I have had the pleasure of working only one of them actually fit the mold of the ideal learning organization. As my knowledge increased of what a learning organization actually was US Cellular seemed to have majority of the characteristics. Although my time at this organization was short lived, the experience that was gained can only be described as priceless. US Cellular was not afraid to try new things, failure was not a word that was used very often at the company. It would be my belief that this type of internal behavior is what kept them at the top of their game in the cellular phone industry however it most certainly did not make them number one. I have to wonder why and could it be because of their willingness to try anything once regardless of the outcome or because of their choice in leadership? The organization had been through a lot during my short time there however it was more than enough for me to see that the organization was changing quickly from what made the company what it was to being all but non existent in a major market. US Cellular had the characteristics of the ideal learning organization. During my time there I found them to have an exceptional...
Words: 2029 - Pages: 9
...Learning Organizations and Organizational Learning Organizations and Organizational Introduction The world today is experiencing the most rapid pace of change in its history. The purpose of this essay is to discuss what organizational structure is suitable in the business circumstances of today. This essay is to mainly break down piece by piece what learning organizations are and how they come together. To support this argument, firstly organizations will be defined, and then the properties that make an organization effective will be identified. Next organizational structure will be appraised, and what constitutes business environment will be established. Once that has been fully established a quick summary will be provided to reiterate the main source if this paper. Definition Organizational structure is defined as ‘the organization’s formal framework by which job tasks are divided, grouped and coordinated’ (Robbins et al., 2000: 351). Generally an organizations’ structure is considered to be the managerial framework that directs the non-managerial employees. Traditionally western organizational structure can be argued to have developed from the feudal system of government where a strict pyramidal power and class structure existed. Termed as mechanistic organizations they are described by Robbins et al. as being ‘characterized by high specialization, extensive departmentalization, narrow spans of control, high formalization, a limited information network, and little participation...
Words: 1274 - Pages: 6
...very prevalent in the world of management and organizations today. Organizations in the 21st century have little choice but to adapt to the rapid pace of change or face the risk of extinction (Jamali, Khoury and Sahyoun, 2006). With the continuous changes and advancements in technology, the pervasiveness of globalization and uncertainty and volatility within the global markets; it is essential that organizations create structures that are sustainable and successful. Eloquently put by Peter Senge “the basic meaning of a learning organization is an organization that is continually expanding its capacity to create its future” (1990). From the basic definition of a learning organization one is able to understand the overall positive image and outcomes it provides for organizations, however what reduces the amount of learning organizations within society today, are the numerous obstacles and barriers they face. Specifically barriers, barriers to learning occur as the result of managerial efforts to implement this new ideology, which is not accepted or understood by employees or management itself (Steiner, 1998). This report will delve into the barriers organizations face during the transformation process in becoming a learning organization emphasizing: the five learning disciplines, the inconsistency and shortcomings of learning concepts, the lack of effective leadership and resistance to change management strategies within the organization. Peter Senge is an American systems scientist...
Words: 1430 - Pages: 6
...Learning Organization Paper MGT/426 Learning Organization Paper Enormous amount of change has been observed to all different kinds of business organization due to the constantly changing business world. This can circumstances can be associated with globalization and the continuous cycle of progress and development in terms of technological advances. There no option but to come up with plans that can accommodate and address these changes. Change is never easy, it is imperative that every organization can come up with strategies of how to implement change accordingly. This requires the management to establish various ways to implement change that is utterly distinguishable from that has been formulated in the past. The management should consider the fact that there is no unique and universal method that can help them implement change accordingly. The employees on the other side should also be aware with the roles they need to play in times of change implementation. Both the management and the employees are key players of adapting and overcoming hindrances and applying change techniques. Learning environment for both the managers and the employees is necessary in order to pin point the errors and hampers that can appear during change implementation. What is Learning Organization? There are different meanings of learning organization. According to Senge, 2006, a learning organization is a kind of organization that enables the individuals...
Words: 1100 - Pages: 5
...understanding work and learning in Canada?’ Education, learning, work and training do not occur in a vacuum at a distance from the rest of the world; they are all influenced by variables including the social and economic context through which they occur. For example, in order to work effectively in a diverse community such as in Canada, it is necessary to first understand the variety of cultures and ethnicities that exist. It would be unrealistic to place a group of people with different ethnic backgrounds, perspectives and values in a work team and expect no conflict. This means that considering the surroundings where work and learning take place is all the more important. Work and learning, along with even the most well planned HRM policies are affected by both internal (such as corporate objectives and financial strategies) and external (such as the economic and social context discussed) change. Therefore, forecasting, being flexible and adapting to the changes is necessary. In order to do this, HR managers need to be aware of what is going on within the organization, the industry that they operate within, as well as the wider market in relation to the factors that influence change. For example, government regulations are updated and change regularly and can influence many processes of the HR department including hiring and training. Moreover, work and learning is influenced by the social and economic contexts in which broader policies are developed. What this means is...
Words: 2266 - Pages: 10
...Review Creating a learning organization is a necessity for every business. Learning organizations can adapt to change and face challenges with positive results. Adalat Kahn’s article Creating Learning Organizations is a great resource on learning organizations. The information provides examples of why learning organizations are so important in the business world. Further, Kahn explains and defines what a learning organization is. This review will serve as a tool to analyze Kahn’s beliefs providing insight from the reader on topics discussed by Kahn. Defining a Learning Organization According to Kahn a learning organization is “an organization which as a whole develop its human resources on a continuous basis by developing new knowledge, skills, attitudes and strategies to achieve its goals” (Creating Learning Organizations, 1997, para. 4). This is a broad statement that requires explanation. Kahn further breaks down his ideas. He lists and explains the benefits of a culture that embraces continuous learning. One benefits of a learning organization is the power of knowledge. Companies that constantly acquiring knowledge are likely to be more innovative. They are quick to pick up and adjust to growing trends. Next, he explains that organizations that promote continuous learning release the full potential of their employees. Employees are the number one resource of any firm responsible for their success or failure. Promoting learning in an organization will facilitate employee’s...
Words: 781 - Pages: 4
...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
...& Stimulate The Five Learning Disciplines Conversation & Tacit Knowledge Communities of Practice Teams Is Your Team Really a Team? The Five Levels of Teamwork How Do You Build Team Performance? What Kind of Team Player Are You? The Four Stages of Team Development Turning People On To Teamwork Rethinking Teams Some Questions for Team Reflection Will that be Leadership or Management? Leadership & Learning Blogs-Websites Leadership & Management Books Videos: Leadership & Learning Social Media and Networking Books Social Media and Networking Blogs About the Author 1 2 3 11 15 17 17 19 22 24 27 28 30 34 35 41 42 44 45 47 48 Introduction The rapidity of change, stemming from technology, an ageing workforce and globalization, is growing, exerting pressure on organizations to adapt. Traditional workplace practices are being questioned by Generations X and Y. Issues such as employee engagement, leadership and management practices, virtual teams, distributed work and alliances with stakeholders are being viewed through a new lens. As an aid to help you in your work and learning journey, this resource guide contains a diverse selection of information sources on leadership, management, personal mastery, team learning and more. I’ve read most of the books that are mentioned and am familiar with the websiteblogs. The guide begins with a series of short articles I’ve written over the past few years. These are intended to assist you reflect on your personal learning and development, in addition...
Words: 15328 - Pages: 62
...Literature Review of the Learning Organization The concept of the learning organization is something that all organizations today must use to be able to adapt to today’s every changing environment. Learning organizations tend to have a flat, decentralized organizational structure (Argyris, 1999). There are five components that make up the learning organization: personal mastery, systems thinking, mental models, building shared vision and team learning. The key to becoming a learning organization is to expand our capacity to new ways and patterns of thinking and to continue learning and cultivating new ways of thinking and problem solving. To reap the benefits of the learning concept, organizations must be adaptable and flexible. Senge defines the learning organization as “organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free and where people are continually learning how to learn together” (Senge, 2006, p. 3). Personal Mastery Personal mastery is the first principle and is one of the keys to the learning organization. We must be fully committed to the continual learning process. Personal mastery is something that cannot just be practiced occasionally but has to be practiced daily. Personal mastery defined by Peter M. Senge is the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing...
Words: 4253 - Pages: 18
...TITLE: THE EVOLUTION OF MANAGEMENT THINKING NO. | TITLE | PAGE NUMBER | 1. | INTRODUCTION/ SUMMARY | 3 | 2. | Q1: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SOCIAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC FORCES THAT ARE INFLUENCING SIA’S DECISION TO BECOME A LEARNING ORGANIZATION? | 4 | 3. | Q2: IF YOU WERE A SPECIALIST AT SIA, HOW AND WHY WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THE PROPOSED CHANGES? WHAT STEP WOULD YOU SUGGEST JERRY TAKE TO INCREASE EMPLOYEE UTILIZATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE-SHARING SYSTEM IN PARTICULAR? HOW CAN HE ENCOURAGE SIA EMPLOYEES TO SHARE INFORMATION? | 5 | 4. | Q3: WHAT GENERAL OBSTACLES WOULD YOU FORESEE IN A COMPANY SUCH AS SIA TRYING TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM A HIERARCHICAL, OR BUREAUCRATIC, TO A MORE COLLABORATIVE ORGANIZATION? WHAT ARE SOME GENERAL MEASURES MANAGERS CAN TAKE TO SMOOTH THE WAY? | 6 | 6. | CONCLUSION | 7 | 7. | REFERENCES | 8 | 8. | RELEVANCY OF ARTICLE | 9 | Introduction/ Summary SIA Corporation cannot continue to do business in the twentieth century, the old-fashioned way. Chief Knowledge Officer Jerry Seibert fully aware that he owed his new position in the newly created department of knowledge management to this challenge SIA is an umbrella organization providing a wide range of insurance products to commercial customers. Over the years, it has expanded to absorb the various insurance companies, until it now includes more than 30 different business units. Everyone has their own level, which is characterized by strong top-down management and clear rules and...
Words: 1849 - Pages: 8
...[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
...According to Senge, learning organizations are organizations where people continually expand their capacity to create the results that they truly desire, where new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, where collective aspiration is set free and where people are continually learning to see the whole together. The reason behind this is that as the world move to a global stage and become more interconnected, businesses also become complex and for am organization to survive, it should be able to tap into peoples commitment and capacity to learn at all levels in the organization. He says, “The most successful companies of the 1990s will be something called learning organization, the ability to learn faster than your competitors, because through learning, we can re-create ourselves. It is possible to institute learning organizations because man is naturally a learner, from birth, no one teaches you how to walk or run but as we move through life, we learn. Now learning in an organization is more in-depth since man has moved past the traditional perspective of work where work was just a means to an end to a deeper level of self actualization which man will continue to seek until we build work environments that aligns mans higher aspirations beyond food, shelter and clothing. ‘Real learning gets to the heart of what it means to be human. Through learning, we re-create ourselves become able to do something that we never were able to do, perceive the world and our relationship...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
