The Learning Organization

Dear Students,

As you get more into HR principles & practices, you will hear more about Learning Organization.

This was postulated by Peter Senge and has since gained overwhelming acceptance.

What, then, is a learning organization & how does it differ from a traditional organization?

• A traditional organization focuses on assets whereas a learning organization focuses on capabilities.
• A traditional organization emphasizes on volumes whereas a learning organization stresses on values.
• A traditional organization is hierarchical whereas a learning organization is networked.
• A traditional organization is independent whereas a learning organization is interdependent.
• A traditional organization is reactive whereas a learning organization is proactive.
• A traditional organization gives importance to command & control whereas a learning organization gives importance to delegation & empowerment.
• A traditional organization is myopic & short-term whereas a learning organization is far-sighted & long-term.
• A traditional organization is judgmental whereas a learning organization is developmental.
• A traditional organization is business-driven whereas a learning organization is customer-driven.
• A traditional organization is parochial whereas a learning organization is eclectic.

You will realize, the above characteristics make a traditional organization ‘soulless’ whereas the above qualities make a learning organization ‘spirited’.

With best wishes,

Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay
(Globsyn Business School)