In response to At's request, I offer the following:
Of course, Senge places the definition of learning organization in the
context of the "fabric of life."
An operational definition of a learning organization which works for me,
is an organization whose relevations are seen as having the following
elements:
refreshing, not depressing;
uplifting, not repressive;
insightful, not ignorant;
expansive, not diminishing;
sobering, not stupifying.
ALL organizations, IMV, should be seeking new information, not relying on
old news and old formatting; this new information should be revealed to
those who are expected to join in the foray, commit to the overall
purpose, and share the benefit of the aim of the organization. Too few
follow this ideal, but a true learning organization has these as primary
elements.
A puzzling quote from biblical scripture offers this:
"Where two or more are gathered in my name, there will I be also." Might
this not suggest the prescence of a learning organization when two or more
share the same aim? Is the concept of shared values the essence of the
learning organization?
Food for thought. My thanks to At for his insights in the past, and for
his request for my humble input, limited though it might be.
Mnr AM de Lange wrote:
> John, your phrase "they don't have operational definitions which move the
> discussion forward" have a most profound meaning for me. But this meaning
> is very much imbedded in my original training in the basic physical
> sciences. It is there where I have discovered the power of operational
> definitions. What I would like to ask you, is to tell us more how you view
> operational definitions. And the cherry on the cake would be if you can
> give us your operational definition of a learning organisation. Please.
>
> At de Lange
--Sincerely,
John Constantine Rainbird Management Consulting PO Box 23554 Santa Fe, NM 87502-3554 Rainbird@Trail.Com http://www.trail.com/~rainbird
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>