1 Chapter 15 Designing and Leading a Learning Organization

2 Chapter Objectives Trace the evolution of leadership through four eras to the learning leadership required in many organizations today. Recognize how leaders build learning organizations through changes in structure, tasks, systems, strategy, and culture. Know when and how horizontally organized structures provide advantages over vertical, functionally organized ones. Distinguish between tasks and roles and how each impacts employee satisfaction and organizational performance. Meet the dual challenge of supporting both efficiency and learning by using ambidextrous organization design elements, embracing technology, and using after-action reviews.

3 Ex Leadership Evolution Era 2 Rational Management Behavior theories Contingency theories Setting: Vertical hierarchy, bureaucracy Management functions Era 1 Great Man Leadership Trait theories Setting: Pre-bureaucratic organization Administrative principles Era 3 Team Leadership Confusion Empowerment Quality Setting: Horizontal organization Cross-functional teams Downsizing Era 4 Learning Leadership Shared vision, alignment, relationships Facilitate change and adaptation Setting: Learning organization E-Business Scope Macro Micro ENVIRONMENT StableChaotic

4 Learning A change in behavior or performance that occurs as a result of experience

5 Adaptive Learning Cycle A cycle of action, feedback, and synthesis that all living organisms share

6 Ex The Adaptive Learning Cycle Synthesis Feedback Action Deciding Learning Sensing

7 Learning Organization One in which everyone is engaged in identifying and solving problems

8 Ex Two Models of Organization Routine tasks Efficient Performance (Hard, rational model) Vertical Structure Formal systems Competitive strategy Rigid culture

9 Ex (contd.) Learning Organization (Soft, intuitive model) Horizontal structure Empowered roles Personal networks Collaborative strategy Adaptive culture

10 Ex Evolution of Vertical to Horizontal Structure A. Vertical functional organization B. Functional organization with process overlays

11 Ex (contd.) C. Horizontal organization based on processes

12 Tasks Versus Roles Task : a narrowly defined work assignment Role : a part in a social system

13 Ex An Organizational Communication Network (adapted) MarketingManufacturingEngineering Sharon David

14 Ambidextrous Organizations Flexible organizations in which leaders incorporate structures and management processes that are appropriate to innovation and learning, as well as to the efficient implementation of ideas

15 Knowledge Management The efforts to systematically gather knowledge, make it widely available, and foster a culture of collaboration and learning