5. Summary
In this paper, four constructs related to organizational learning (knowledge acquisition,
information distribution, information interpretation, and organizational memory)
were examined, and the literature related to each was described and critiqued.
Because the literature on knowledge acquisition is voluminous and multi-faceted, the
process was portrayed as consisting of five subconstructs or subprocesses: (1) congenital
learning, (2) experiential learning, (3) vicarious learning, (4) grafting, and (5)
searching or noticing. Examination of the related literatures indicated that, while
much has been learned about experiential learning, there is a lack of cumulative work
and a lack of synthesis of work from different research groups. Similarly, it was found
that much has been learned about organizational search, but that there is a lack of
conceptual work and a lack both of continuing empirical work and of integration with
which to create a more mature literature. Congenital learning, vicarious learning, and
grafting were found to be information acquisition subprocesses about which relatively
little has been learned beyond the fact that they occur.
The literature concerning information distribution was found to be rich and mature.
However, a key aspect of information distribution, namely how organizational units
possessing information and units needing this information can find each other quickly
and with a high likelihood, was found to be unexplored. Information interpretation, as
an organizational process rather than as an individual process, was found to require
empirical work for further advancement. Finally, organizational memory, as a determinant
of organizational learning and decision making, was found to be much in need
of systematic investigation.
A number of conclusions follow from this examination of organizational learning.
One is that the organizational processes and subprocesses that contribute to changes
in the range of an organization's potential behaviors are more numerous and varied
than a small sampling of the organizational science literature might suggest. While
any one research group can ignore this fact with little peril to itself, the field as a
whole cannot. A second conclusion is that, with few exceptions (e.g., experience-based
learning curves and information distribution), there is little in the way of substantiated
theory concerning organizational learning and there is considerable need and
opportunity to fill in the many gaps.
The third conclusion flies in the face of the normal science paradigm and contributes
to the just-noted lack of substantiated theory-the researchers who have
studied organizational learning apparently have, to a surprising degree, not used the
results from previous research to design or interpret their own research. Another
conclusion, also contrary to the advice that scientists frequently give to each other, is
that there is little cross-fertilization or synthesis of work done by different research
groups or on different but related aspects of organizational learning. (An exception to this conclusion is that James G. March has made important contributions in a
number of areas and has provided a number of integrative works.)