The objective of this article is to gain an understanding of what are the key characteristics of learning organizations, how they develop, how to measure organizational learning, and where does one start if a learning organization is to be created. This article views the organization as a learning system and focuses on three key characteristics of a learning organization. They are the learning process, the learning orientation, and the facilitating factors within the organization. The interrelationship as well as the details of these topics are described in detail. The purpose here is to understand how an organization learns, what it does well, what it does poorly, and where should it be improved. To do this, the major focus will be placed upon the facilitating factors, process, and conclusion. For an organization to become a learning organization it is critical that both a measurement methodology and communications medium be formalized. The communications medium proposed here will be an organizational learning model, and the measurement technique will be a survey instrument described within learning orientations. This article will develop a model against which a desired state can be defined for an organization within a specific industry and a survey instrument which examines actual behaviours displayed in the organization.
Article navigation
1 February 1998
Conceptual Paper|
February 01 1998
How to measure an organization’s learning ability: the facilitating factors ‐ part II Available to Purchase
Steven H. Appelbaum;
Steven H. Appelbaum
Professor of Management, Faculty of Commerce and Administration, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
Walter Reichart
Walter Reichart
Program Manager, SPAR Aerospace, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Search for other works by this author on:
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Online ISSN: 1758-7859
Print ISSN: 1366-5626
© MCB UP Limited
1998
Journal of Workplace Learning (1998) 10 (1): 15–28.
Citation
Appelbaum SH, Reichart W (1998), "How to measure an organization’s learning ability: the facilitating factors ‐ part II". Journal of Workplace Learning, Vol. 10 No. 1 pp. 15–28, doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/13665629810370012
Download citation file:
Suggested Reading
GSS and action research in the Hong Kong police
Information Technology & People (March,2001)
Using concept maps to reveal conceptual typologies
Education + Training (February,2006)
Linking mental models and cognitive maps as an aid to organisational learning
Career Development International (June,1998)
Designing a case‐based e‐learning system: what, how and why
Journal of Workplace Learning (February,2002)
Facilitating Learning
Industrial and Commercial Training (February,2001)
Related Chapters
Facilitators and Constraints in the Participation of Women in Golf
Tourists’ Perceptions and Assessments
Disruptive Digital Technology Adoption: Obstructions and Opportunities for African Family Entrepreneurs
Disruptive Frugal Digital Innovation in Africa
One Size Does not Fit all – Different Strategies for Teaching Accounting Ethics
Research on Professional Responsibility and Ethics in Accounting
Recommended for you
These recommendations are informed by your reading behaviors and indicated interests.
