Learning Organization

Systems Dynamics Modeling:
An Exploratory Study 

Parinya Showanasai
   
 Problems in Organizational Development:
 Introduction
Why LO?

 Leadership
 Organization
 Learning
 Technology

Building Enterprise of the Future: A Framework for Transformation
Art Murray, Kent Greenes. KM World Camden.Vol.15, Iss 9, pg16 2 pages
(George Washington University Institute for Knowledge and Innovation)
   
 Introduction:
 Systems Dynamics Modeling of LO
Why LO?

 Organizational Development
 Learning Organization
 Organizational Learning
 Knowledge Management

   
 LO/OL/KM:relationships
 Introduction
Why LO?

 LO Focuses on Organizational 
Development Through Learning
 OL Focuses on Learning Processes 
in All Levels
 KM Focuses on Intellectual Assets

Synergizing the Learning Organization and Knowledge Management
Josef Loermans
Journal of Knowledge Management; 2002; 6, 3; AB/INFORM Global pg 285
   
 Problems in
Learning Organization Research
LO Studies
Why LO?

 Why Learning Organisations Do Not Transform
The LO Input/Output Model does not determine effects of LO
Blackman, Henderson: The Learning Organization 2005;2,1
 Critical Aspects of OL Research and Proposals for its 
Measurement 
Are all learnings valueable? Is organizational Performance an effect of OL?
Lahteenmaki, Toivonen, Mattila: British journal of Management
 The Learning Orgaization: An Empirical Test of a 
Normative Perspective
How can LO Attributes be Measured?
Swee C. Goh: International of Organization Theory & Behavior 
 …

   
Organizational Development: Problems
 Introduction
 Learning Disability
The Case of HP Lab: alignment of learning initiatives to the business 
goals
 Unexpected Feedback/Responses
The Case of HP Lab: Using KM and LO with Planned Change and 
organizational development
 Effects of Time Dimension
e.g. Long­term project are hampered by only having a short­term 
financial commitment..
Health Services Mgt Research: an Illustration of Whole Systems Thinking

   
 LO Development: Problems
 What are Missing?
 Existing LO Models Focuses on Processes and 
Organizational Performance Not On Learning effects 
and Interaction among Attributes
 Determine Causal Relationships among Variables, 
Environment, Determinants and Time Dimension
 Measures Magnitudes and Effects of Variables 
 Understand the Dynamics of Systems/Organization

 Empirical Research to Confirm LO Effectiveness
   
 LO Modeling & Research: Problems
 Introduction
 LO deals with Complex Systems/Subsystems
 Other Factors: Organizational Structure/Constraints 
are not Taken Into Model
 LO is Dynamic

   
 LO Systems Dynamics Modeling
 Introduction
 An Integration of 
 Peter Senge’s Conceptual Framework of OL
Learning Process in all Levels
 DLOQ: Dimension of LO questionnaire
Measures of LO Attributes
 Business Dynamics
Interaction among variables and attribute

   
LO: Peter Senge  Principles of LO

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Systems Thinking & Systems Dynamics

 Forrester, 1960 “Systems Thinking”
­ Operation Research
 Peter Senge’s “The Fifth Discipline”

­ Learning Organization
 John D. Sterman’s “Business Dynamics”

­ System Modeling

   
 Instrumentation

 LO input/output model
 DLOQ: Dimension of LO Questionnaire 
determines Characteristics of LO in 
Organization
 Systems Dynamics Concepts and Tools

   
 Theoretical Framework

 Peter Senge’s “The Fifth Discipline” 1990
Conceptual Framework of Learning Process
 Watkins & Marsick: DLOQ
Dimension of Learning Organization Questionnaire
Measures of LO Processes
 Business Dynamics Modeling
Causal Loop diagram and Systems Modeling

   
LO: Peter Senge  Principles of LO

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DLOQ  Measures of LO Process
 Quantifying LO values

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 Business Dynamics Modeling
 Determine Determinants with loops and 
time dimension 

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 Research Questions

 - What is LO in the form of Systems

Dynamics modeling?
 - What are measures that determine action-
effects relationship in learning organization?
 - What are the effects of time in each step of
organizational learning process? and
 - Is model able to predict or simulate LO
accurately?

   
Implications of Research Findings

 An Interactive Model Explaining 
Relationships Among LO Attributes
 Findings of New Measures
 An Understanding of Dynamics of 
Organizations

   
 Research Methodology:1 

 Surveying 4 Organizations
 Questionnaires Covering all Levels: 
Individual, Group­Team/Organization
 Interview Group Leader
 Measures of Performance in All Levels

   
 Research Methodology:2 

 The Use of DLOQ
 Additional Questions Identifying Loops
 Additional Questions Identifying Time 
Dimension
 Additional Questions Identifying 
Environmental Factors: Technology/ 
Culture/ Social Interaction
 Quantitative Analysis & Systems Modeling

   
 Questions & Answers 

 Measures
 Modeling
 Different Types Organizations
 Validity & Reliability of DLOQ
…

   
 Thank You
for all Questions and Comments 

   
 References: Covering These Issues

 Measures
 Modeling
 Different Types Organizations
 Validity & Reliability of DLOQ
 New Concepts of LO