Learning organisations in high technology industries

Abstract

This study describes an action research program, primarily within one company pursuing learning organisation concepts. The research was an integral part of the implication process, not involving case studies carried out after the event, or analysis prior to it, but an iterative mixture of both.Both the literature and case studies of various aspects of the operations of an Australian Aerospace company are used to help identify some particular practices that support organisational learning. A range of issues arising from the research are also discussed. A multi-faceted systems model of corporate memory is developed, and possible ways of obtaining leverage from that memory are discussed.The research identifies a number of competencies, processes and practices that need to be in place for organisational learning and knowledge management to be effective. It is suggested that a particular organisation may take many years to establish this portfolio of capabilities to the extent that they become the operating room.

Date of Award	2001
Original language	English