2. Cultural learning in organisations
As it was stated in the previous paragraph, the societal theory of organisational learning implies that the learning
process comprises interpersonal encounters and own experience transformed into the personal development. When
multi-nationalism and multiculturalism is an inevitable consequence of the processes of globalization, it seems the
culture with its impacts and influences on every individual in organisation must be strongly taken into consideration
when it comes to the questions and issues of learning. Organisations in this perspective provide the common basis
for encountering the people of many various cultural backgrounds and organisational learning must build upon the
complex of different cultural values and norms. These are the attributes deeply ingrained within human nature,
acquired unconsciously during one´s upbringing, which people are not aware of in their conscious minds. At least
until they become visible as a result of a thorough interpersonal comparison. Nevertheless their impact upon human
perception, behavior and decision making in everyday life is significant. And so it is in working environment.
If a closer look is taken at the benefits of cultures for individuals on their personal level, it is the matter of fact
that learning from them will help to develop a deeper understanding of worldview diversity and broaden one´s
personality and perspective on different value systems in general. It helps to open up the notion that there is more
than just one worldview and that neither of them is only right or wrong. But the learning concept does not remain on
the personal level only; the process of organisational learning is coming full circle when individuals in organisation
contribute to the common knowledge improvement. Organisational learning is driven by all individuals who make
up the part of it and who broaden, refine and share their own knowledge. This gives an answer to one of the greatest
myths of organisational learning, and that is “who question”. Prange [2], in order to answer it, contemplates if it is
individuals or organisations that learn. Organisations that are committed to true learning practices will create a
suitable and encouraging environment and provide the technical tools for enabling the knowledge to be collected
and spread. Individuals are the main bearers of knowledge and after all, these two components of organisational
learning: individuals and organisation as a whole reinforce one another.
Cultural learning can become the water on turbines of organisational improvement and competitive advantage.
However cultural differences can be so stubborn and invincible that is also can add fuel to the development of
mutual misunderstandings and frustrations.