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Organizational learning theory in schools

Janice R. Fauske (University of South Florida, Sarasota, Florida, USA)
Rebecca Raybould (Technology Consulting, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA)

Journal of Educational Administration

ISSN: 0957-8234

Article publication date: 1 February 2005

8472

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's purposes are to establish organizational learning theory as evolving from the theoretical and empirical study of organizations and to build grounded theory explaining organizational learning in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

Implementation of instructional technology as a process of organizational learning was explored at an elementary school. Findings from qualitative data revealed determinants of organization learning discussed as grounded theory, building on the relationship between social psychology and structural systemic aspects of organizational theory.

Findings

Five elements influenced organizational learning: priority of the learning in the organization, consistency and breadth of information distribution, unpredictability or uncertainty, the ease of learning new routines (how to) and the difficulty of learning new conceptual frameworks (why).

Practical implications

Assessing the type of change (routine or conceptual) and the adequacy of information distribution can predict the ease of organizational change. Identifying existing beliefs or procedures that impede new learning can explain lack of progression, and prioritizing the learning through both words and action can facilitate the process.

Originality/value

The paper develops organizational learning theory in schools as contextual indicators and conditions with theoretical roots in the structural technical and social cognitive study of organizations.

Keywords

Citation

Fauske, J.R. and Raybould, R. (2005), "Organizational learning theory in schools", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 22-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/09578230510577272

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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