The learning organization in the educational setting

Buffett, Gerald M. (2001) The learning organization in the educational setting. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (13MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

In this fast-changing world where advances in science and technology threaten to outpace the effectiveness of schools, there is a dire need for a new model of educational leadership to effectively manage the changes encountered. Schools can no longer prepare people to fit in the world of twenty years ago, because that world will no longer exist (Senge, 2000). The purpose of this study was to examine the new emerging model of leadership, the concept of the learning organization in a school setting, and to determine the degree to which characteristics of the learning organization were present. In doing so, this thesis explores (a) the applicability of organizational learning theory to the understanding of schools and (b) practical images of organizational learning in school settings -- The study was conducted through a qualitative research approach consisting of interviews, participant observation and document analysis. The study built on baseline data already collected by Brown and Sheppard (1996). From this earlier research, a school was identified using a unique-case selection. -- The findings from on-site field work reveals that this school portrays many of the characteristics of the learning organization, and although it is evolving towards a learning organization, it has not yet institutionalized the five disciplines to an ideal state. The study confirms that the learning organization theory fits well in the educational setting. There are strong implications for this theory to be included in district strategic planning and professional development such that administrator themselves have the knowledge to promote effective organizational learning in the educational settings in which they work. The findings suggest that leaders should consider an approach which encompasses systems thinking, personal mastery, shared vision and team learning as they look for new solutions to educational challenges.

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