Week 3 - foundations 3 can we theorise org learning

Question 1

Discuss the cognitive approach to OL (Cook & Yanow)

Answer 1

Assumes org learning is the aggregate of individual learning.

• Explained by individual learning models
• Tied to key learners and demonstrated change or improvement.

Question 2

List criticisms of the Cognitive approach

Answer 2

Common sense rejects that orgs & individuals learn the same

Requires change and OL does not always involve this.

OL cannot be proved to be the sum of individual learning and so it must occur through a group process.

Question 3

Org culture is the pattern of shared assumptions, values & beliefs that govern how people behave in orgs.

Discuss the cultural approach to OL (Cook & Yanow)

Answer 3

Learning through interaction with artefact, transmission of knowledge and group function.

Explains how orgs learn as a whole.

Accepts orgs are not cognitive but cultural entities.

Question 4

List support for a cultural approach to learning. (Cook & Yanow)

Answer 4

Aligns with common sense view of difference between groups and individuals.

Shared meaning created through group interaction with artefact

Is observable

Accepts that learnign can be innovative AND maintaining in nature, explaining with the absence of change in some OL

Question 5

How is culture preserved? (Cook & Yanow)

Answer 5

Recruiting employees that share the orgs values

Inducting and socialising new recruits to adapt to behaviours & values (enculturation).

Question 6

Explain a sociocultural view of Org Learning (Boreham & Morgan)

Answer 6

Dialogue is the fundamental process of learning in the context of a social structure that facilitates rules, instruction and collaboration.

Question 7

Name the main theoretical underpinnings of sociocultural view (Boreham & Morgan)

Answer 7

Activity system - group who’s member’s orientation to activity is govered by a set of rules.

Expansive learning - group constructs new practices by reflecting on failure and expanding understanding of objct the object and the means to attain it

Question 8

Name the 3 practices that contribute to sociocultural learning (Boreham & Morgan)

Answer 8

1. Open space - for the creation of shared meaning - opportunity for social interaction (cite Vygotsky)
2. Power relationships - equitable access to knowledge & opportunity
3. Cultural tools - Artefacts supporting learning, innovation, maintenance of knowledge.