This is a key resource in understanding the possible resistance to a learning change.
The usual implementation strategy suggested by Senge (1990) involves the use of workshops to surface the areas of change, and to use focus groups in organizations to bring about the change. During the process of implementation, more substantial work in developing a shared vision and working with mental models is done. This approach to implementation has resulted in practical difficulties, which are the major limitations of this five-discipline model. Some of the issues noted are:
The five-discipline model implicitly brings in three levels of learning: the individual level (mental models and personal mastery), the group level (team working), and organizational level (shared vision and systems thinking). Lam (2001) views these levels as logical stages for an organization to evolve as an LO. However, Senge (1990) implicitly ignores the barriers inhibiting the transfer of learning between levels. The existence of barriers to learning transfer in practical implementation has been the major drawback of the five-discipline model. An interesting practical application of Senge's five disciplines in a Swiss tool manufacturer highlighted the barriers to learning change (Steiner, 1998). The practical study showed difficulties in implementing the model and highlighted barriers in each of the five disciplines. Insufficient attention is paid to knowledge management systems and structures of the organization and their implication as a resource to learning. The systems and structures must also provide space for reflection and enquiry.
Like Argyris and Schon, Senge's five disciplines do not properly address the question "What makes individuals learn in the first place?"