A Framework for Organizational Learning in Healthcare:
From Individual Learning to the Organizational Learning Systems Model
J. Richard Ray, Jr.
Managing OD Consultant/Adjunct Professor of HRD
Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic/George Washington University/
Presented at
Southern Management Association 2002 Conference
Track 2: Health Care Administration/Hospitality Management
Phone: (301) 520-9184
Email: RrayWSD@aol.com
Key Words: Organizational Learning, Learning, Learning Models, Health Care Learning
Revised September 23, 2002 (Reprint October 1, 2006)
Abstract
Many researchers and practitioners have developed models to discuss how organizations learn using concepts of learning, social theory, sensemaking and information transfer. The Organization Learning Systems Model (OLSM) provides a comprehensive framework for discussing how organizations interact with their environments, reflect on information collected, disseminate knowledge to stakeholders and “make sense” with their culture through learning subsystems. After reviewing individual and organizational learning literature, I will reflect on a recent consultation at a major healthcare firm using this frame. This paper suggests that practitioners and …show more content…
This multi-disciplinary model developed at the Center for the Study of Learning at George Washington University is increasingly impacting the practice of organizational learning. This model is founded upon the writings of Talcott Parsons (Schwandt & Marquardt, 2000) and discussions of his organizational prerequisites of adaptation, goal attainment, integration and pattern maintenance functions in organizations. The structure of action provided by Parsons lends a powerful lens by which many organization processes and actions can be viewed (Lackey,