The purpose of this paper is to present three classical theories on organizational learning and conduct a comparative analysis that highlights their strengths, similarities, and differences. Two of the theories -- experiential learning theory and adaptive -- generative learning theory -- represent the thinking of the cognitive perspective, while the third theory --assimilation theory -- coincides with the behavioral school of thought on organizational learning. The three criteria to be used in the comparative analysis include: 1) the learning process, or how learning occurs in each theory; 2) the learning target, or who experiences the learning; and 3) the learning context, or the antecedents and conditions that promote a learning organization. Because theory building in this discipline has a history of approaches that fragment rather than assimilate new theory (Lahteenmaki, Toivonen, & Mattila, 2001, p. 113), a new prototype theory will be introduced that effectively integrates the important themes, principles, and practices of organizational learning into a more holistic model.
Authors
- Peer Reviewed
- F
- Publication Type
- Reports - Evaluative
- Published in
- United States of America
Table of Contents
- Abstract 2
- Table of Contents 3
- Introduction to Organizational Learning Theory 4
- Definitions of Organizational Learning 4
- The Rationale for Organizational Learning 5
- Three Unique Theories of Organizational Learning 6
- Experiential Learning Theory 7
- Adaptive and Generative Learning Theory 7
- Assimilation Theory 8
- A Comparative Analysis of the Three Theories of Organizational Learning 9
- The Learning Process How Learning Occurs 10
- The Learning Target Who Experiences the Learning 12
- The Learning Context Conditions that Promote Organizational Learning 13
- A New Model for Integrated Organizational Learning 15
- Key Principles of the New Theory Model 15
- References 18
- Harvard Business Review 69 18
- Organizational learning A theory in action perspective 18
- ICFAI Journal of 18
- Business Strategy 5 18
- International 18
- Journal of Training Development 4 18
- Strategic Change 18
- Organizational Dynamics 22 18
- Experiential learning Experience as the source of learning and development 18
- British Journal of Management 12 18
- Strategic Management 18
- Journal 14 18
- Organization Science 2 18
- The smarter organization How to build a business that 19
- MIT Sloan Management Review 36 19
- The fifth discipline The art and practice of the learning organization 19
- The fifth discipline fieldbook Strategies and tools for building a learning 19
- Leader to Leader 19
- Training Development 50 19
- Executive Excellence 21 19
- OD Practitioner 41 19
