Collectively, the three factors that were found to more strongly predict rapid change adaptation and quick product or service introduction, characterize a very participative and open organizational system. Within such a non-bureaucratic system information is openly shared with employees, while constant and open communications across levels and between departments allow joint solutions to problems without boundary interference. Furthermore, the three factors together describe an organizational system that not only provides the employees with all the
time, facts, information, and tools they need in order to perform their job in a professional
manner, it also gives them the freedom to try new ideas and be risk takers. The latter of course
validates the importance of Argyri’s double-loop learning theory and demonstrates how
democratic and open systems, which in turn allow employees to think, challenge the operating
norms of the organization, be creative, and take risks do ultimately transform themselves into
innovative and rapidly adapting entities capable of coping with today’s highly complex and
rapidly changing environments. As Argyris put it, “if learning is to persist, managers and
employees must look inward. They must learn how the very way they go about defining and
solving problems can be a source of problems in its own right” (Abernathy, 1999, p. 84) from operating norms a serious violation.