Evaluation of a Learning Organization. Management Essay

Evaluation of a Learning Organization
Sandra M. Turner
EDUC-6043-20W-0-2A
Master of Education and Leadership
Yorkville University  
Abstract
The dynamic nature of the business environment necessitates for the adoption of the idea of a learning organization among corporation. Learning organizations are able to quickly adapt to the changes in the business environment and also leverage on the competitive advantage of being a leaning organization. Global corporate firms such as the Apple Inc. (Apple) have been able to register tons of successes and outsmart their competitors effectively by virtue of being a learning organization. The concept of having a corporate university popularly known as the Apple University paint the picture of Apple as a learning corporation. Other design issues within the corporation such as the establishment of campus facilities to accommodate employees under the same roof fosters for collaborative earning. The adoption of the SMART goal framework is also key in the establishment of a learning organization. Other significant factors in a learning organization include leadership, organizational structure and the organization culture. 
Keywords: learning organization, corporate university, Apple, SMART
 Evaluation of a Learning Organization
Learning is a continuous process; failure to embrace a culture of constant learning can easily make an organization irrelevant. All the beautiful innovations and inventions around the world are due to the ability of people within an organization to learn. Most executives of renowned corporations attribute their success to the idea of being able to learn, either from their past mistakes or those of others(Örtenblad, 2018). Most organizations that aspire to succeed recognize learning as one of the key objective (Saadat & Saadat, 2016). According to Garvin (1993), a learning organization can be defined as "an organization skilled at creating, acquiring, and transferring knowledge, and at modifying its behavior to reflect new knowledge and insights" (par.4). This definition implies that the learning process can be initiated only when there is an innovation, new concept, or demand. Most organizations, whether accounting, manufacturing, consultancy firms, and even universities, do not meet the criteria of being classified as learning organizations. The transformation effect of learning denotes that a learning organization is able to move from one state to another either by adaptation, knowledge acquisition, or experience
Learning goes beyond attaining a certificate or a degree, which represents the tip of the iceberg in a continuous learning process. The perception that learning is limited to that of academics and technical acquisition is ill-advised. Self-acquired skills, developing a perception towards the environment, and improving from own failures form part of the learning process. Human beings have the ability to think which in turn facilitates learning and eventually make human beings great. Learning often comes as a rewarding package, equipping one with the necessary skills to land great job opportunities, achieve set goals, and improve one’s personality, among other significant outcomes. These outcomes of...