Evaluating an Organisation's Learning Culture Using Learning Histories

Abstract

This research describes a recently developed approach to organisational learning known as “learning history”. Learning history involves the analysis and reflection on project experiences and business processes. The learning history of a construction industry organisation is documented and the outcomes of the learning history are used to evaluate the organisation’s methods of acquiring and managing knowledge. This learning history technique is applied in a practical setting to a case study of the Tasmanian State Public Health Sector, Australia. The findings of the learning history are used to evaluate the organisation’s knowledge management in order to evaluate its “learning culture”. The organisation developed new learning capabilities and learning history is a practical tool for organisational learning which can be widely used for knowledge transfer. Fostering knowledge management leads, indirectly, to more efficient and effective processes. In order to sustain the organisation’s learning culture then, improvement of its organisational learning style, the learning process (knowledge management), and its organic learning style is necessary.