Mauritius: So You Want To Become A Learning Organisation?

Over the last two weeks, we have examined in some detail the seven roles the leader of tomorrow will have to assume if he or she is to survive in this new millennium. This week’s article examines the implications of becoming a learning organisation.

For the past decade or so, the terms ‘learning organisation’, ‘culture of learning’ ‘continuous learning’ have dominated the management literature. In this very column, I have often referred to them, highlighting the need for Mauritian companies to undergo a radical change and become supporters and advocates of this world-wide trend if they wish to survive in our globalized environment. What does the term imply though? Here are some of the basic facts that emerge when one surveys the research literature.

• Identifies and addresses current and future learning needs

A Learning Organisation is one actively engaged in the identification of its current learning needs – whether these are of a technical, managerial, cultural, or social nature. It does so in a vigorous and systematic manner, seizing every opportunity to learn about itself. To this organisation, every problem, difficulty or obstacle it encounters becomes a source of learning. It thrives on analysis, action and feedback. Similarly, it is able to forecast the future learning needs – the competencies it will require in order to have the strategic and pragmatic advantage over its competitors. Finally, the Learning Organisation is able to do something about its needs, once identified, by providing appropriate learning through a series of planned and systematic learning interventions.

• Uses learning in a day-to-day, practical manner and stores it

A Learning Organisation uses learning in a day-to-day manner. The focus is clearly on the job. It identifies and resolves problems as they occur, attempting to harness each situation and learn from it. Consequently, it ensures that all learning derived is stored, classified and above all, used when confronted with a similar situation in the future.

• Encourages and is passionate about all forms of learning

A Learning Organisation encourages all forms of learning – it does not limit itself to classroom learning, rote learning, behavioural learning. On the contrary, it uses every possible form of learning eclectically in order to derive the maximum benefits. Its goal is to achieve the end objective in the best possible manner. Consequently, a Leaning Organisation loves learning. It realises that if it is to meet the challenge of change and the need for continuous improvement, it has to be passionate about learning. Learning then becomes a key strategic imperative.

In next week’s article, we’ll examine the values which are inherent to any learning organisation.

The content of this article is intended only to provide general guidelines related to this particular matter. For your specific circumstances, full specialist advice is recommended.