Viewing learning organizations through an ethical lens: interview with Robin Snell

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the ethical foundations and principles underpinning the learning organization (LO) concept.

Design/methodology/approach

By interviewing one thought leader in the field, Professor Robin Snell, this paper traces how his early days in academia shaped the development of an ethics-driven research agenda on LO.

Findings

An ethical perspective advocates the importance of establishing a covenant or constitutional foundation of rights that would enable and empower organizational members at all levels to enact the processes of LOs, thus signifying the importance of employee development and a more sustainable approach for developing LO.

Originality/value

A personal reflection of Robin Snell on his own academic career development and research trajectory offers some insights into how an ethical perspective of LO evolved and flourished as a field of study.

Citation

Hong, J. (2020), "Viewing learning organizations through an ethical lens: interview with Robin Snell", The Learning Organization, Vol. 27 No. 5, pp. 441-453. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-02-2020-0021