Synopses & Reviews
The book is readable and well organized. . . . I recommend this book to human resource professionals who are interested in bringing change to their organizations. This book's broader perspective on diversity provides insights that can lead the thoughtful reader toward innovative approaches for recruiting and training organizational members. --Personnel Psychology This book provides interesting reading as well as useful insights into managing by using all the human resources in an organization and helping people to learn how to continuously improve and develop. . . . A thought-provoking book that will be of interest to anyone concerned with innovation and organizational learning. --Journal of Managerial Psychology In this stimulating and accessible volume, the authors argue for building learning into the heart of our organizations. The first part of the text looks at people and discusses the diverse knowledge and contributions that different individuals and groups bring, and the importance of appreciating and working with diversity. The second part of the book is concerned with joint practice. Successful innovation occurs only when diverse individuals work effectively in teams and can learn from the outcomes of their actions. The authors explore effective teams, including the interaction of context, tasks, team roles and processes, and learning outcomes. Finally, the authors address knowing and learning as an organizational process. They present their model of this process, including the implications of information technology. They also address the crucial need to encourage development and create conditions where learning and innovation can flourish throughout an organization.Developing the Learning Organization is essential reading for students and professionals in human resources management, organizational psychology, and organizational change and development, as well as for all those concerned with issues of organizational learning and innovation.
Synopsis
How can organizations foster the innovation and learning so central to their survival and success? This stimulating and accessible book argues that effective organization is the process of collaborative learning - drawing on and developing the capacity of every member of an organization to 'know beyond' existing parameters and experience. In this context organizational diversity is not a disadvantage to be overcome but a key resource facilitating creativity and learning.
Part One focuses on people. It explores the range of contributions and knowledge that different individuals and groups bring to organizations and the importance of appreciating and working with diversity. The second part is concerned wi