The nature, characteristics and ten strategies of learning organization

• Published in: International journal of educational management 2014-03, Vol.28 (3), p.289-298
• Main Author: Wen, Hengfu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Administration & policy in education; Construction; Cooperation; Corporate culture; Education; Environment; Human nature; Innovation; Innovations; Intelligence; Interpersonal Competence; Leadership; Leadership in education; Learning Strategies; Organization theory; Organizational Culture; Organizational learning; Studies; Sustainable development; Teaching Methods; Values
• ISSN: 0951-354X; 1758-6518
• DOI: 10.1108/IJEM-04-2013-0062

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to grasp the nature, characteristics and strategies of learning organization so as to construct a learning CCP organization, a learning team and a learning society. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the nature and characteristics of learning organization, this paper proposes ten effective strategies to construct learning organization in China. Findings – This paper proposed ten strategies to construct a learning organization: to construct learning group of leaders; to deliver mission, stimulate aspirations and overcome self-transcendence; to learn comprehensively and change mental models; to promote deep dialogue and expand organizational capacity; to learn at work and work in learning and put learning into practice through solving problems; to eliminate the obstacles of learning and improve the effectiveness; to establish a dynamic model of learning – research – innovation; to make a long-term plan, move forwards step by step and promote sustainable development; to implement evaluation during the whole process of construction; to conduct trial implementation. Practical implications – As well, there are some effective strategies and methods of constructing a learning organization, such as the enhancement of learning leaders, the establishment of a pilot group, the improvement of the mental models in learning, the promotion of the dialogue to expand the organizational capacity, learning at work and the work in learning, the establishment of “three in one” work model of learning – research – innovation, the promotion of the construction through evaluations and a long-term stage to promote sustainable development. Originality/value – Learning organization is not only a new form of the organization, but it is also a leadership strategy that advances the healthy and sustainable development of the organization. Moreover, it is a culture of the organization that enhances organizational learning, improves mental models, increases organizational intelligence quotient and emotional quotient, and the ability of creating the future.