Taking the learning organization mainstream and beyond the organizational level: An interview with Peter Senge

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the development of learning organization concepts from the perspective of Dr Peter Senge and presents an interesting evolution of his systems oriented view of the learning organization field over three decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a conversation with a thought leading scholar, Dr Peter Senge, this paper discusses several topics pertaining to the evolution of the learning organization through a systems approach and provides his perspectives on the development of his theories.

Findings

Dr Senge explains his origination of the learning organization from three distinctly different theoretical tracks. However, more important than the theory, he illuminates how the theories embedded within The Fifth Discipline actually originated from action research and have continued to evolve. Of particular interest, his sites personal mastery as the most often cited of the five disciplines and offers readers explanations as to why the personal change dimensions are so important, and so often neglected. He clearly describes what it takes to make genuine progress in becoming a learning organization.

Originality/value

The discussion with Dr Senge reveals his perspective on the evolution of the learning organization debate from his personal perspective. He provides insights that lead the reader to understand “what is a learning organization” and “what does it mean”.

Citation

Reese, S. (2020), "Taking the learning organization mainstream and beyond the organizational level: An interview with Peter Senge", The Learning Organization, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 6-16. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-09-2019-0136