Discussion questions and frameworks for academic inquiry

¶ … Learning Organization?

First Student: As a student, the acquisition of knowledge has always been important since this will determine one's future life particularly the career path. In order to do this, education is paramount and this is possible initially by going through the various levels of the academe from primary level all the way up to even the post graduate or doctoral levels. This halls of knowledge are the providers of information and as learning organizations, they "value the role that learning can play in developing organizational effectiveness. This is demonstrated by having an inspiring vision for learning and a learning strategy that will support the organization in achieving its vision. (Serrat, 2009)" Indeed, being a learning organization means having the vision, mission, and strategic, tactical, and operation goals of providing knowledge to learners or members of the organization. It is not simply a matter of passing information but rather having all these used efficiently and effectively in achieving organizational success.

Learning organizations do not appear in a vacuum and for them to be able to truly be the repositories and passers of knowledge, it is critical to have the leadership who has the vision of influencing members to strive at their very best. The leadership of a learning organization is committed to the importance of learning and clearly communicates that learning is critical to organizational success (Serrat, 2009). Although there are several types or styles of leadership, in a learning organization the leader is one who has gone through the same rigors and standards of learning as what the learners or members are going through or what will be going through. The more apropos adage to this kind of learning organization leader is someone who has "been there and done that and can walk the walk as well as talk the talk." In doing so, the learning organization leader will always serve as an inspiration to those who follow in his or her steps.

Second Student: The saying, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste" has always been through for all times. In order for the mind not to go to waste, then there has to be inputs thereto and one of the tried and tested ways of doing so is via education and learning. This is done by going through educational, academic, or learning organizations, and any of this institution "provides work environments that are open to creative thought, and embrace the concept that solutions to ongoing work-related problems are available inside each and every one of us (Mason, 2011)." Although being part of a learning organization begins in the academe, it continues at work. This is especially critical since this ensures effectiveness in the workplace when the environment provides a viable atmosphere for members thereto to continually improve themselves professionally and personally. The end result of which is further and continuous improvement in individual and organizational performances.

Third Student: When most people hear about learning organizations, the first thing that may come to their minds is the school or college they are going to or have gone to. But the reality of which is that learning or the acquisition of knowledge never stops and even if people are already working or at the peak of their careers, they have to continually improve so as not to remain stagnant or complacent. Thus, they have to be a part of a learning organization that "provides continuous learning opportunities, uses learning to reach their goals, links individual performance with organizational performance, fosters inquiry and dialogue, making it safe for people to share openly and take risk, and embraces creative tension as a source of energy and renewal (Smith, 2001)." Consequently, learning becomes a continuous process seeking improvement in what is in order to have better systems, processes, methods, and standards that can become models and best practices the organization can always be proud of.