A Revisit of the Learning Organisation: Is It Time?

Abstract

The learning organisation (LO) phenomenon was created over 25 years ago. Several definitions of the LO have evolved as well as frameworks, features, and characteristics. One of the challenges of the LO’s credibility was the impetus of the creation of empirical methods. The LO theory has stabilised with the involvement of human resource (HR) researchers to bridge the gap between theory and practice. However, in a rapidly changing, complex, diverse, and competitive work environment, now may be the opportune time to further investigate the scope of the LO. The study examines the utility of the LO definitions and frameworks in relation to shifts in the environment to determine if the concept continues to withstand the landscape of the current workplace and beyond. The importance of creating an LO continues to be top priority in numerous organisational industries and communities and its reach is expanding to a variety of populations. However, the LO concept does not necessarily address constantly changing and complex workplace work demands. Therefore, a new definition of the LO is proposed. Recommendations for future studies and implications for HR research and practice are included.