Handbook of Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management, Second Edition

Integrative Framework

In this section, we integrate existing work to propose relationships between our constructs of interest and firm performance. We define performance as the organization’s success or failure in achieving its financial and non-financial (e.g. quality, reputation, growth) goals. Our integrative model is shown in Figure 8.3.

Figure 8.3 Integrative Framework

Connecting learning types to the capability hierarchy

The study of organizational learning dates back to the 1930s, when the first work on organizational learning curves appeared (reviewed in Argote, 1999). Argyris and Schön might be considered the ‘founding fathers’ of the discussion about the learning types of which they identified three (Argyris and Schön, 1978). ‘Single-loop learning’ occurs when a mismatch between intended and obtained outcomes is detected and corrected without changing the underlying routines that govern the behaviors. ‘Double-loop learning’ occurs when a mismatch is detected and corrected by first changing the routines based on a new conception of the universe. ‘Deutero-learning’ is the second-order learning enacted on single- or double-loop, which can be described as learning to learn (Argyris, 2003). This typology has been clarified but not significantly challenged, modified, or connected to the new theories of knowledge and capabilities since its inception. Therefore, we based our ...