A MacIntyrian perspective on organizational learning

This article examines the meaning of organizational learning (OL) from a MacIntyrian perspective. Key MacIntyrian terms such as practice, institution and relational dependence are explained and related to OL. It is argued that much of the literature concerned with OL, including that concerned with C...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Management learning 2010-02, Vol.41 (1), p.37-51
Main Authors: Halliday, John, Johnsson, Mary
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Economic indicators
Institutionalism
Learning
Management science
Meaning
Organizational analysis
Organizational behaviour
Organizational culture
Organizational learning
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Summary:This article examines the meaning of organizational learning (OL) from a MacIntyrian perspective. Key MacIntyrian terms such as practice, institution and relational dependence are explained and related to OL. It is argued that much of the literature concerned with OL, including that concerned with Communities of Practice, misses the moral and relational dimensions of organizations. An alternative MacIntyrian perspective considers the enduring nature of practices which transcends both individual and organizational interests. The notion of relational dependence extends practical involvement to consideration of what is in the collective interest even where people fundamentally disagree. Such dependence involves generosity towards others and the recognition that conflict is inevitable and desirable. The article concludes with an outline of what OL might be and some indicators of success.
ISSN:1350-5076
1461-7307
DOI:10.1177/1350507609347589