Learning organization

According to P. Senge in learning organization people continuously look for new opportunities to achieve the desired effects, create a new patterns of thinking, develop teamwork, constantly learn. P. Senge is considered one of the most important creators of the idea of organizational learning, though you should also look to works of Ch. Argyris and D. Schon, and even earlier: in the concept of decision support systems from the 50s.

Learning organization is an organization proficient in the performance of the tasks in the creation, acquisition and transfer of knowledge, and changing their behavior in response to new knowledge and experience. Above definition refers to two points of the concept of the learning organization. Lack of clear rules governing management practice in learning organizations with detailed methods and techniques, which should be used by the management of companies also lack measurement tools for the assessment of organizational competence and level of learning. These tools are necessary in order to assess what effects the concept of learning organization has in practice.

The concept of the learning organization is closely linked to the implementation of the innovation strategy in the enterprise. Innovations are a consequence of changes in the environment and the development of the company. They are necessary for the performance of any changes and improvements, which have become an essential condition for the success on the market. Innovation can be an element of the business strategy of companies entering the new markets, as well as defensive weapons for established and prosperous companies.

Distinguishing features of learning organizations

• learning from mistakes,
• continuous training of staff and scheduled training,
• development of staff led by management,
• delegation and decentralisation,
• risk taking, encouraging to experimentation,
• frequent reviews of operational procedures,
• search for ways to increase the effectiveness of the work,
• decision taking on the basis of the facts,
• close cooperation between the departments.

Crucial to the learning organization is leadership and sound management of intellectual capital.

Examples of Learning organization

• Google: Google is a prime example of a learning organization. Through its corporate culture, Google is committed to a continual process of learning and improvement. Google encourages its employees to be creative, to take risks, and to explore new ideas. Its employees are encouraged to pursue their own ideas and to experiment with different ways of doing things. Google also provides its employees with a variety of learning opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs.
• 3M: 3M is another example of a learning organization. The company has implemented a variety of training and development programs to help its employees stay up to date with the latest technologies and best practices. 3M also encourages its employees to explore new ideas and to work together to find creative solutions to problems. The company also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork and encourages its employees to share their knowledge and experience with one another.
• Amazon: Amazon is a great example of a learning organization. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to foster a culture of learning and innovation. Amazon encourages its employees to take risks, and to explore new ideas. The company also provides its employees with a variety of learning opportunities, such as workshops, classes, and mentorship programs. Furthermore, Amazon encourages its employees to collaborate and share their knowledge and experience with one another.

Advantages of Learning organization

Learning organizations have many advantages, which include:

• Increased efficiency and effectiveness - Learning organizations continuously strive to improve their processes and operations by learning from their mistakes, experimenting with new ideas and techniques and sharing information. This allows them to become more efficient and effective in their operations, leading to greater success.
• Increased adaptability to change - A learning organization constantly seeks to learn and adapt to changes in the market and customer needs. This allows the organization to remain competitive and responsive to customer needs.
• Improved employee morale and commitment - Learning organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and respected, and are motivated to learn and grow. This encourages employees to stay with the organization and be more committed to its success.
• Increased innovation and creativity - Learning organizations encourage employees to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems. This encourages creativity and helps the organization stay ahead of its competitors.
• Improved communication - As employees learn and share knowledge, communication within the organization is improved. This allows the organization to make decisions faster and more effectively.

Limitations of Learning organization

The limitations of learning organizations include:

• Lack of resources - often, organizations lack the necessary resources to invest in learning activities and initiatives. This could be in terms of time, money, personnel, or technology, all of which are essential for successful learning.
• Lack of commitment - without a strong commitment from each and every member of the organization, it can be difficult to create and maintain a learning environment.
• Unclear objectives - Without clear objectives and goals, it can be difficult to measure the success of the learning process.
• Complexity of learning - often, the process of learning can be complex and requires a deep understanding of the material and subject area. This can make it difficult for some members of the organization to access the necessary information.
• Resistance to change - some members of the organization may be resistant to change and may be unwilling to embrace new ideas or approaches. This can make it difficult to create a learning culture.

Other approaches related to Learning organization

Aside from the works of P. Senge, Ch. Argyris, and D. Schon, there are also several other approaches related to the concept of Learning Organization.

• Knowledge Management: This approach emphasizes the idea that knowledge, when managed properly, can help organizations learn and develop. This process involves capturing, storing, and sharing knowledge within the organization.
• Appreciative Inquiry: This approach focuses on the positive aspects of organizational life, rather than the negative. It encourages organizations to ask questions that focus on what is working well and to use that information to inform future decisions.
• Human Resource Development: This approach emphasizes the role of human resources in helping organizations learn and develop. It looks at how the organization can build the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of its employees in order to create an environment conducive to learning.
• Action Learning: This approach emphasizes the idea that learning is an active process. It encourages organizations to take action and use experimentation to solve problems and identify opportunities.
• Systems Thinking: This approach emphasizes the idea that organizations are complex systems that must be understood holistically in order to be managed effectively. It looks at the interconnections between different components of the system, and how they interact to create a whole.

In summary, there are several other approaches related to the concept of Learning Organization. These include Knowledge Management, Appreciative Inquiry, Human Resource Development, Action Learning, and Systems Thinking. All of these approaches emphasize the importance of understanding organizational processes and encouraging learning in order to create an effective environment for growth and development.

Learning organization — recommended articles

Chief innovation officer — Transformational change — Change management model — Organizational development — Smart organization — Change management — Management by culture — Creativity and innovation — Importance of knowledge

References

• Garvin, D. A., Edmondson, A. C., & Gino, F. (2008). Is yours a learning organization?. Harvard business review, 86(3), 109.

Author: Krzysztof Wozniak