TY - JOUR
T1 - The learning organization, sensegiving and psychological contracts : a Hong Kong case
AU - SNELL, Robin Stanley
PY - 2002/1/1
Y1 - 2002/1/1
N2 - I discuss a qualitative case study of the development of a Hong Kong-based utility company towards the ideals of 'Learning Organization' (LO). The case illuminates the irony of promoting greater openness and creativity through top-down sensegiving, as many managers and professionals participated in the collective development towards LO ideals, but nearly fell into a propaganda trap. The case also highlights the importance of honouring psychological contracts, as a covenant with the workforce, leveraged the company's dominant industry position, and restored an atmosphere of mutuality with a marginalized rump. Noting that the focal company may have been blessed with relatively munificent circumstances, I identify four viability tasks that aspiring LOs may need to perform continually in order to forestall disillusionment.
AB - I discuss a qualitative case study of the development of a Hong Kong-based utility company towards the ideals of 'Learning Organization' (LO). The case illuminates the irony of promoting greater openness and creativity through top-down sensegiving, as many managers and professionals participated in the collective development towards LO ideals, but nearly fell into a propaganda trap. The case also highlights the importance of honouring psychological contracts, as a covenant with the workforce, leveraged the company's dominant industry position, and restored an atmosphere of mutuality with a marginalized rump. Noting that the focal company may have been blessed with relatively munificent circumstances, I identify four viability tasks that aspiring LOs may need to perform continually in order to forestall disillusionment.
KW - BPR
KW - Ideology
KW - Leadership
KW - Organizational learning
KW - TQM
UR - http://commons.ln.edu.hk/sw_master/2429
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0141755163&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/0170840602234003
DO - 10.1177/0170840602234003
M3 - Journal Article (refereed)
SN - 0170-8406
VL - 23
SP - 549-569, 684
JO - Organization Studies
JF - Organization Studies
IS - 4
ER -