Chapter 10: Learning Organisation

Question 1

What is a learning organisation?

Answer 1

The study of the learning organization focuses on the structures and resources within the organization that are conducive to learning.

Question 2

What are the three important components of a learning climate?

Answer 2

1. A conducive learning environment characterized by psychological safety, appreciation of differences, openness to new ideas, and time for reflection
2. Concrete learning processes and practices (e.g., experimentation, information gathering, analysis, education and training, and information transfer)
3. Empowering leadership behaviors

The Learning Climate Scale (LCS; Nikolova et al., 2014) describes the learning climate using three dimensions:

• facilitation: the perception of policies and practices that enable access to educational resources (e.g., providing sufficient time for learning)

• appreciation: the perception of tangible (e.g., money) and intangible (e.g., praise) incentives for learning behavior

• error avoidance: the perception of an atmosphere characterized by fear of (subse- quently) making mistakes at work (e.g., fear of admitting mistakes) and of practices related to tolerance of mistakes

Question 3

What are the 7 dimensions of the Learning Organisation Questionnaire DLOQ?

Answer 3

1. Continuous learning: employees can learn while they work. There are offers and opportunities for learning and further development.
2. Inquiry and dialogue: Employees can present their point of view. There are opportunities to exchange viewpoints. Questions, feedback, and trial and error are part of the culture.
3. Collaboration and team learning: designed to work in teams to learn about other ways of thinking. There is joint work and learning, and cooperation is rewarded.
4. Systems to capture learning: There are systems that assess learning progress and make it visible. They are part of the work, easily accessible, and maintained.
5. Empower people: Employees are involved in the development of a common vision. Responsibilities are distributed.
6. Provide strategic leadership for learning: Leaders act asrole models, supporting learning and using learning strategically for better business results.
7. Connect the organization: Employees are supported in seeing the benefits of their work. Plus, the environment is used as a source of information for improving one’s work.