From bureaucratic organizations to learning organizations: An evolutionary roadmap

Abstract

Purpose

To track changes in management paradigms from the bureaucratic to the post‐bureaucratic to the learning organization model, highlighting core differentiating features of each paradigm as well as necessary ingredients for successful evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The article takes the form of a literature review and critical analysis.

Findings

The complexity of the learning organization necessitates gradual evolution. The successful integration of the characteristics of post‐bureaucratic firms – empowerment, teamwork, trust, communication, commitment, and flexibility – coupled with an emergent systems perspective can provide improved understanding of how the learning organization disciplines may actually materialize.

Originality/value

Linking two traditionally encapsulated areas of research namely post‐bureaucratic organizations and learning organizations, highlighting an interesting roadmap for successful convergence of post‐bureaucratic organizations towards learning organizations.

Citation

Jamali, D., Khoury, G. and Sahyoun, H. (2006), "From bureaucratic organizations to learning organizations: An evolutionary roadmap", The Learning Organization, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 337-352. https://doi.org/10.1108/09696470610667724