Foundations of Organizational Learning

• Published in: Making Sense of Organizational Learning pp. 5 - 12
• Main Author: Kirwan, Cyril
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2013; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: E-commerce: business aspects; Knowledge management; Personnel & human resources management; Action Learning Interventions; Cognitivist Learning Approaches; Creative Process Engagement; HRD Theory; Learning Transfer Process; Workplace Learning; Van Woerkom; Organizational Social Climate; Transactive Memory; Learning Intervention; Improving Learning Transfer; Coaching Intervention; Learning Transfer; Reflective Practice; High LMX Relationship; Follow; Learning Organization Questionnaire; Organizational Climate Surveys; Practical Learning Activities; Response Shift Bias; Traditional Classroom Training; Social Cognitive Learning Theory; Humanist Learning Theory; Face To Face
• ISBN: 1409441865; 9781409441861
• DOI: 10.4324/9781315593371-2

This chapter describes to help the reader understand the background and main approaches that have defined the field of learning as it relates to people at work. Organizational Learning as it is practiced today has roots in the fields of both human resource development (HRD) and adult education, with adult learning theory providing much of the foundation for HRD theory and practice. Yang suggests that the relationship between different philosophies underlying the fields is perhaps best described along two dimensions. The first dimension concerns the purpose of learning. The second dimension indicates the focus of learning, and the roles of the individual and society in the learning process. Merriam, Caffarella and Baumgartner outline a number of learning frameworks or philosophies within which various approaches to the subject have been accommodated. They include behaviourism, cognitivism, humanism, social cognitivism and constructivism. Finally defensiveness is reduced, more real-world experience is brought to bear on the issue, and team learning is thus enhanced.