Questioning the concept of the learning organisation

This chapter critically examines the ideology and discourse of the learning organisation in two sections. The first section outlines the historical context, people and principles involved in the development of the concept of the learning organisation, reviewing some of the literature. The second section offers a critical examination of six premises of the learning organisation that focus on: (1) the organisation as a site and frame for learning; (2) the dominant role of managers and educators; (3) the subordinate role accorded to employees as undifferentiated learners-in-deficit; (4) the emphasis on problem solving and instrumental knowledge; (5) the organisation's appropriation of critical reflection; and (6) the reliance on 'open' dialogue for group learning in the workplace.

The volume from which this paper has been selected may be found at TD/TNC 65.21. The selected papers may be found from TD/TNC 65.22 to TD/TNC 65.34.

This chapter critically examines the ideology and discourse of the learning organisation in two sections. The first section outlines the historical context, people and principles involved in the development of the concept of the learning organisation, reviewing some of the literature. The second section offers a critical examination of six premises of the learning organisation that focus on: (1) the organisation as a site and frame for learning; (2) the dominant role of managers and educators; (3) the subordinate role accorded to employees as undifferentiated learners-in-deficit; (4) ...  [+] Show more