On docility: a research note on Herbert Simon’s social learning theory

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the core concept of docility in Simon’s learning theories and elaborate docility as a missing link in organizational performance structures. In his book, Administrative Behavior, first published in 1947 with three subsequent editions, Herbert A. Simon introduced a new concept to the emerging field of organizational theory, docility.

Design/methodology/approach

In Administrative Behavior, Herbert A. Simon introduced to management and organization theorists the concept of docility. Simon adopted the concept and meaning from E.C. Tolman’s (1932) classic work, Purposive Behavior in Animals and Men, and his novel views on learning processes and key concepts like purpose (goals), thought processes (cognitive psychology) and cognitive maps. This paper elaborates on docility mechanisms and the implications for social learning in organizations.

Findings

This paper addresses this lacuna in the organizational literature, and the implications for current theories of organizations and organizational learning.

Practical implications

Docility is a tool to link individual learning with organizational learning in complex environments and changing technologies.

Originality/value

The paper traces origins of Simon’s docility and learning theories.

Citation

McMillan, C.J. (2016), "On docility: a research note on Herbert Simon’s social learning theory", Journal of Management History, Vol. 22 No. 1, pp. 91-114. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-11-2014-0285