A process-philosophical understanding of organizational learning as “wayfinding”: Process, practices and sensitivity to environmental affordances

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to articulate a practice-based, non-cognitivist approach to organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the potential contribution of a process-based “practice turn” in social theory for understanding organizational learning.

Findings

In complex, turbulent environments, robust organizations recur more to cultivated sensitivities and predispositions rather than rely on elaborate plans and strategies to guide their action; they “Wayfind” their way to sustainable success.

Originality/value

This study develops the understanding of organizational learning as a process of everyday practical coping guided by internalized sensitivities and predispositions.

Citation

Chia, R. (2017), "A process-philosophical understanding of organizational learning as “wayfinding”: Process, practices and sensitivity to environmental affordances", The Learning Organization, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-11-2016-0083