From reminiscence to robustness: an interview with professor Deborah Blackman on the ways organizations “learn”

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand in-depth the concepts applied to the domains of organizational learning (OL) and learning organization, based on the notional perspectives of Professor Deborah Blackman and traces the evolutionary path of her academic journey and contributions in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

A conversation with the distinguished academician, Professor Deborah Blackman.

Findings

How OL has pivoted around “shared mental models” that will enable in collective evidence-based decision-making across the organizational hierarchy.

Originality/value

The interactive session with Professor Deborah Blackman captured her ideas and critique pertaining to the theme of OL and the crucial aspect of “shared mental models” which promote “learning” in an organization. Delving deeper, it is seen that this trajectory offers the space and orientation to researchers and professionals to verify.

Citation

Acharya, A. and Mishra, B. (2021), "From reminiscence to robustness: an interview with professor Deborah Blackman on the ways organizations “learn”", The Learning Organization, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 546-553. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-07-2021-0088