¶ … Learning Organization
Reflect upon the concept of 'the learning organisation' and discuss the claim that it is an 'undelivered promise'
Learning organizations refers to an organization that obtains knowledge and uses it innovatively to thrive and survive in a rapidly changing business environment (Senge 2006). Learning organizations critically think and take risks with new ideas; they create an organizational culture that encourages employees' skill development and knowledge acquisition. Moreover, the firms value employees' contribution and incorporate the new information or knowledge in the operations of the company. Learning organizations develop due to the competitive business environment (Senge 2006). This organization need to be creative and relevant to sustain long-term profitability.
Development of learning organizations is not achieved by internal organic growth of an organization alone. Research indicates that the there are a number of factors that prompt the development of a learning organization. As most organizations grow, it becomes difficult for learning to take place since individual thinking and organizational structures become rigid. Problem solving in this case becomes difficult since only sort term solutions emerge (Senge 2006). This poses a challenge to the organization since the problems are likely to re- emerge in the future.
Most organizations restructure their organization structure and retain fewer employees to enhance effectively and profitability. Moreover, the management and employees have a challenge to learn faster than competitors and develop a customer-centered culture in order to create a competitive advantage. Additionally, organizations need to be knowledgeable on new processes and...
For this to be achieved there should be a corporation between employees, free flow of reliable information within the organization and developing trust.
Senge 2006, a researcher who explained the concept of a learning organization, asserts that a learning organization has five main characteristics. The characteristics include systems thinking, mental models, team learning, and personal mastery and shared vision. System thinking is a conceptual framework that allows individuals to study companies as bounded objects. System thinking holds that an organization must exhibit all the characteristics for it to be a learning organization (Senge 2006). This implies that if any of these characteristics is not present then the organization will not be able to achieve its goal.
Personal mastery refers to the commitment by a person to a learning process. Organizations that have employees who are quick learners have a competitive advantage when compared to an organization with a less committed workforce. Personal learning can be achieved through staff development and training. Nevertheless, the individual's ability is critical since you cannot force learning on an individual. Research indicates that most of learning in the work environment is incidental and not because of formal training. This implies that organizations have a duty of ensuring that personal mastery is a culture adopted as a routine.
Mental models are the assumptions held by organizations and individuals. Organizations tend to link whatever they do with theories and use them to predict the outcome of their actions.…
