At some point I attempted to define a learning org by saying that just
because the members of an organization were learning did not mean that the
organization qualified as a learning org. I said, in part, "The members
may be learning, but that does not imply that the organization is."
This is unfortunate anthropomorphising. That is one reason why we have
had a hard time finding a definition of a learning org. Clyde Howell has
taken issue with my statement, and frankly he is correct. An organization
should not ever be viewed as something which has a life of its own,
independent of the people who are the blood, sinew, and brains that make
things happen.
I was trying to define the distinction that Senge made in The Fifth
Discipline. In the 5th Discipline handbook, he strongly inferred that a LO
was a high performing organization. He went on to say that in a high
performing group, learning takes place at a higher leel. Individuals
learn, they share their learning, and through a highly constructive
process (which is not well-defined) meta-learning occurs in which the
members reach heightened awareness and understanding of their world. I
think Senge is correct in the broad outlines, even if not in the
particulars. HE -- not me -- coined the term learning organization to
define this meta-learning. My comment was meant in this context.
Frankly, I have never liked the phrase, but I cannot find a better one.
Having disavowed any intention to separate the organization from the
people within it, I still believe there is value in this concept. I do
not for a minute believe that organizations have been practicing this
meta-learning that Senge refers to. Just because the people are learning,
does not mean they are meta-learning. That is a more accurate way to say
it.
Clyde offers an exampleof an organization that wants to be a learning org
and then lays people off indiscriminantly. In my opinion this
organization is not even on the first step to becomong a learning org. I
think we agree about this.
Finally, he says, "Just the musings of someone who obviously doesn't get
it (in a corporate sense)."
No, Clyde, your musings are right on the money. I don't know what you
mean by "in a corporate sense."
-- Rol Fessenden LL Bean 76234.3636@compuserve.com