The learning organization: the time is ripe for starting to certify the idea

Abstract

Purpose

To convince readers that the time is ripe to start certifying the learning organization and to outline what would be needed to accomplish such a certification.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an argumentative piece based on the author’s almost 30 years of experience from researching and authoring the learning organization.

Findings

It is argued that the idea of the learning organization is still “fluffy” and that it is not universally applicable as is. It is suggested that a broad, inclusive definition of the learning organization is taken as the starting point for the process of contextualizing the idea to reach a set of “contextualized standards”, which could be used when certifying the learning organization.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers are encouraged – in cooperation with practitioners – to sculpture one “contextualized standard” of the learning organization for each single industry. Such contextualized standards outline what, exactly, that could be demanded from organizations within the particular industry that want to become learning organizations.

Practical implications

There is a need for one – or some – non-profit association/s that could start to certify the learning organization on the basis of a set of contextualized standards. There may also be a need for consultants assisting organizations to transform themselves into learning organizations in accordance with these contextualized standards.

Originality/value

This is the first time (at least in writing) that it is suggested that the learning organization is certified.

Citation

Örtenblad, A. (2021), "The learning organization: the time is ripe for starting to certify the idea", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-04-2021-0060