Handbook of Research on the Learning Organization: Adaptation and Context

‘Örtenblad offers a contingency framework differentiating the idea of the learning organization as portrayed in research and practice to shed light on context as key to the idea’s relevance. The contingency framework anchors chapter authors’ interrogation into adaptation of enduring, underlying principles by divergent context–in industry, sector, national culture, religious orientation, and philosophical underpinnings. Readers will value analysis and synthesis of what is known from research as well as informed probing of what could be learned through the lens of provocative viewpoints. Scholars will appreciate Örtenblad’s assessment of extant research and arguments made for “researcher-assisted adaptation” to balance rigid prescriptions with informed guidance in navigating contextual differences when deciding to enact the learning organization.’ — Victoria J. Marsick, Columbia University, US

‘The Handbookis a very well researched and excellent tool for anyone interested in the concept of learning, and particularly in the global organizational context. I highly recommend this book to managers of companies both large and small wanting to compete in the global landscape by highlighting the important learning that occurs in their organizations.’ — Vanessa Ratten, Thunderbird International Business Review

‘This handbook has moved the field of learning organization research forward considerably. It has paved the way for future research by providing a more nuanced conceptual framework than hitherto existed. This framework will make it easier for future studies to compare findings and contribute to a contingency framework of the learning organization concept. Moreover, the book also offers new, alternative perspectives on the learning organization which, if implemented in practice, may stimulate more innovation and change. I would recommend this book not only to scholars engaged in organizational research but also to practitioners at every organizational level. Managers or MBA students can use this book to enhance their understanding of the learning organization and gain valuable ideas about how to design their own organization for optimal long-term performance and adaptability. Employees who wish to figure out what is going on at the top level of management can use this book and the contingency approach as an inspiration to find meaning in management language and strategies.’ — Management Learning