Replying to LO26855 --
Rod:
I'd be happy to field your question. I have been focusing on the
intersection of KM, OL and ST for some time now. In fact, I published a
paper on the subject entitled "Integrating Complexity Theory, Knowlege
Management and Organizational Learning" last year. You can download a
copy of my paper at the following link:
http://www.macroinnovation.com/images/IntegratingComplexity.pdf
In a nutshell, organizations are systems, social systems, which produce
mutually-held and -practiced knowledge through an array of self-organizing
social processes -- learning processes. Some of the best theoretical
models for this come from the field of complexity theory under the heading
of "complex adaptive systems theory," or CAS theory. CAS theory is the
branch of complexity theory that deals with complex behaviors in living
systems, and it focuses, in particular, on how knowledge is produced by
them. Moreover, CAS theory is an instantiation of systems thinking.
CAS theory can also be seen as a systems-thinking brand of organizational
learning theory, and knowledge management is a management discipline that
uses (or can use) the systems-thinking school of organizational learning
theory as a basis for determining how best to enhance learning,
innovation, knowledge sharing, and performance in the conduct of human
affairs -- organizational affairs, that is.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Mark W. McElroy
"French, Roderick C" wrote:
> Q: Can someone explain to me how Organizational Learning, Systems Thinking
> and Knowledge Management interrelate with each other?
--"Mark W. McElroy" <mmcelroy@vermontel.net>
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