Theory and Practice of Organizational Learning
Theory and Practice of Organizational Learning: October 17, 2011 Definitions of Learning Organizations Learning organizations are broken down into several categories and sub categories. There are formal and informal methods of organizational learning along with descriptions of learning organizations like “adaptive, resilient, and innovative” organizations (Merriam, S. B. , Baumgartner, L. M. , and Caffarella Learning in Adulthood: A comprehensive Guide p. 45) Characteristics of a successful learning organization In Merriam, S. B. , Baumgartner, L. M. and Caffarella’s Learning in Adulthood: A comprehensive Guide, there are several features listed that describe a healthy learning organization. Some of these features are: openness across boundaries, resilience and adaptability, and a culture that captures learning and rewards innovation (45). My Organization The organization for which I work captures a culture of learning and reward innovation that promotes resilience and adaptability. Change is so frequent in the technology industry that promoting a culture of change is imperative to keeping the business healthy.
Organizational Learning Practices My organization practices an adaptive, resilient and innovative form of organizational learning. All participants are trained on the ability to adapt with agility, bounce back from change, and drive change within the company which is referred to in Organizational Learning and Learning Organizations as “attention to the nature of learning inevitably” (Malhotra, Y. (1996) ’Organizational Learning and Learning Organizations: An Overview’). Effectiveness of Learning Practices
Embodying these ideas of organizational learning helps keep a giant company like Verizon Wireless as nimble as a company a quarter of it’s size. This is an effective way to do business because employees stay educated and are able to share up to date information with customers. References Malhotra, Y. (1996) ’Organizational Learning and Learning Organizations: An Overview’ http://www. brint. com/papers/orglrng. htm Merriam, S. B. , Baumgartner, L. M. , and Caffarella, R. S. , and (2007). Learning in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide (3rd ed). San Francisco: Wiley
