Learning Organization

Running Head : THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION

The Learning Organization and Information Technology

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Introduction

With the dynamic nature of knowledge nowadays , it is almost impossible for any organization to keep up with the competition if it does not incorporate learning and training into its framework of operations Continuous training and learning are imperative for any organization so that the members and the leaders of the organization are kept abreast of developments in their industry as well as the market forces

at work that may favor their operations or hinder them

If trainings and discussions are implemented on a regular basis , the organization will be able to rethink about its strategies and even devise new ones to take into account the lessons learned from within the organization , from its immediate environment and from the sharing and brainstorming of ideas by the members of the organization that are engaged in discussion

The importance of developing a learning organization is rooted in the nature of the organization itself and the way that it redefines itself in view of developments in understanding market and environmental forces . The past learnings upon which the organization is built is prone to becoming obsolete within several years . The successes that the organization will achieve in the future will also require flexibility for such successes to be enjoyed in the long-term (Grey Antonacopoulou , 2004 . Another reason why organizations should establish a learning organization is that superior knowledge can become the organizations tool in ensuring that it has competitive advantage According to empirical research conducted by Ellinger , et . al (2002 the learning organization has a positive correlation with the financial performance of the firm . Given this , a firm should start developing itself as a learning organization in to achieve better financial performance

Establishing a Learning Organization

With the reasons mentioned above , it is imperative to establish a learning organization . But the question is how ? One important concept that should be practiced is the idea of establishing partnerships within and without the organization . When the people in the organization come together with a collective vision and they start working together , they are able to draw upon the strengths of the group process . With their collective ideas and attitudes toward work , they can help generate knowledge and contribute to the learning process (DeVilbiss Leonard 2000

The groups process , however , will not be complete and effective if there is no support from leadership . Transformational leadership particularly , is very effective in establishing and implementing a learning organization . This brand of leadership enables subordinates to be empowered so that they , too , can contribute to the success of the organization and help establish a learning organization . Part of this means that the organization is creating a culture that enhances the learning process of individuals and groups . As such , they can share such learnings with the rest of the organization (DeVilbiss Leonard , 2000

Another important step in establishing a learning organization is viewing the organization as a whole system...