BPM FAQs: What is a Learning Organisation?

By Torque Management, Tuesday, 6th August 2013 | 0 comments
Filed under: BPM, Learning Organisation.

What is a Learning Organisation?

A learning organisation is one that facilitates the learning of its members in order to continuously improve, innovate and remain competitive.

In a paper entitled 'Teaching Smart People How to Learn', Chris Argyris refers to 'Single Loop' and 'Double Loop' learning, the latter essentially being what happens in the learning organisation.

Argyris uses the analogy of a thermostat; each time the temperature drops below 68 degrees, the heat turns on – this is a single loop. In Double Loop learning, the thermostat would question why it was set to that temperature and whether or not a different temperature might more economically achieve the goal. Double loop learning, incorporated into training, work instructions and SOPs in a process-based manner can allow Users within an organisation to really ‘learn’.

Process-based training ensures that room and time is built into training plans, allowing Trainees to pose questions and identify further improvements; facilitating better learning and creating greater space for innovation and change at all levels of an organisation.

[Sources: Teaching Smart People How to LearnTheories of action, double-loop learning and organizational learning.]



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