The gender subtext of organizational learning

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to challenge the alleged gender-neutral character of Argyris and Schön’s theory of organizational learning (1978). While theories in organizational science seem gender neutral at the surface, a closer analysis reveals they are often based on men’s experiences. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the method of gender subtext analysis, centering on gendering and its interaction with gender, class and race. Findings The dichotomous learning scheme of Argyris and Schön, in which a limited learning approach with alleged masculine values and interaction styles is opposed to an ideal learning approach with feminine values and interaction styles, is related to Bendl’s subtexts of feminization and of unconscious exclusion and neglect in organizational theories. To overcome the binary character of the theory, a gradient and contextualized approach to organizational learning is proposed. Originality/value This paper is the first to apply gender subtext analysis to theories of organizational learning and, thus, to analyze their gender subtext.