Learning for Change
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The document discusses the views and principles related to organizational learning within the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and emphasizes the importance of leveraging individual and collective experiences for development. It categorizes organizations into various types and identifies key functions and dynamics of learning within them, advocating for a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. The ADB commits to becoming a learning organization, highlighting the need for concrete actions and supportive leadership to foster knowledge management and effective learning practices.
Learning for Change
- 1. The views expressed in this presentation are the views of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Asian Development Bank, or its Board of Governors, or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this presentation and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. The countries listed in this presentation do not imply any view on ADB's part as to sovereignty or independent status or necessarily conform to ADB's terminology. Learning for Change Olivier Serrat 2013
- 2. Learning in Organizations Organizational World People organize when acting alone limits their ability to achieve Many organizations are designed as bureaucracies in which authority and responsibility are arranged in hierarchy PURPOSE : should be the foundation for everything that group members do INDIVIDUAL & COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE : must be leveraged for learning and development
- 3. Influencers of an Organization Operators Line Managers Chief Executive Officer Directors EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATIONS Owners and Shareholders ASSOCIATES CompetitorsPartners Suppliers Clients Ideology PUBLICS Special Interest Groups
- 4. Basic Pulls on the Organization Pull to Professionalize Pull to Balkanize Pull to Lead Ideology: Pulling together Politics: Pulling apart
- 5. Types of Organization The Entrepreneurial Organization The Machine Organization The Diversified Organization The Professional Organization The Innovative Organization The Missionary Organization The Political Organization
- 6. Types of Organization The Machine Organization • Gains strength from its technostructure • Best at mass production • Characterized by layers of management, formal procedures, sharp divisions of labor, and a large number of routine operations The Entrepreneurial Organization • Centralized arrangement typified by a small hierarchy with power in the hands of a chief executive , often the founder • Simplicity, flexibility, informality, and a sense of mission promote loyalty
- 7. • Built less on hierarchy than on shared experience • More democratic and highly motivated, with lines of authority less clearly set out • Often found in new technology industries • Need to innovate constantly and respond quickly to changing markets The Professional Organization The Innovative Organization The Diversified Organization • Borne of mergers made to combine businesses into larger entities under the label of vertical integration, aiming to exploit synergies Types of Organization
- 8. • Ideology can be so strong that the entire structure is sometimes built around it – coordinated through the standardization of norms and reinforced by selection, socialization and indoctrination • Expresses itself in political games, with conventional notions of concentrated coordination and influence replaced by the play of informal power The Missionary Organization The Political Organization Types of Organization
- 10. Four Windows on Learning Systems of Structure Structure refers to organizational functions, rules, and procedures. (Effectiveness) Systems of Process Process refers to flows of events undertaken for a particular activity. (Efficiency and reliability) Systems of Knowledge-Power Knowledge-power refers to the validity of knowledge and legitimacy of actions based on it. (Fairness) Systems of Meaning Meaning refers to ways in which people define their relationships with others and the world. (Meaningfulness)
- 11. Triple-Loop Learning Consequences Action Strategy Governing Variable Context Single-Loop Learning Double-Loop Learning Triple-Loop Learning (Are we doing things right?) (Are we doing the right things?) (How do we decide what is right?)
- 12. Dimensions of the Learning Organization Key Functions Idealism and Reality Learning Management Systems
- 13. Building a Learning Organization Technology Multiple Approaches, including TechnologyPeople Knowledge People Knowledge Management Science Organizational Development Computer ScienceCognitive Psychology Environment Economy Polity Technology Society Learning Organization Organization
- 14. The Three Components of Creativity Expertise Creativity Creative- Thinking Skills Motivation Not all motivation is created equal. An inner passion to solve the problem at hand leads to solutions far more creative than do external rewards, such as money. This component—called intrinsic motivation—is the one that can be most immediately influenced by the work environment. Creative-thinking skills Determine how flexibly and imaginatively people approach problems. Do their solutions upend the statue quo? Do they Persevere through dry spells? Expertise is, in a word, knowledge—technical, procedural, and intellectual.
- 15. Learning from Evaluation How is learning generated in the organization? Is the information used in decisions? Are users capable of using the information? Are users open to the information? Is the information channeled to the right people at the right time? Is the information relevant and useful? Are users involved in generating the information? How is the need for the information generated? Is the information easily accessible?
- 16. Key Ingredients of Effective Reports Evidence Persuasive Argument Clear purpose Cohesive argument Quality of evidence Transparency of evidence underpinning policy recommendations, e.g., a single study or a synthesis of available evidence Authority Clear purpose Cohesive argument Quality of evidence Transparency of evidence underpinning recommendations, e.g., a single study or a synthesis of available evidence Context Audience Context Specificity Addresses the specific context, e.g., national, local Addresses the needs of target audience, e.g., social, economic policy Actionable Recommendations Information linked to specific processes Clear and feasible recommendations on steps to be taken Engagement Presentation of Evidence-Informed Opinions Presentation of author's own views about the implications of findings Clear identification of argument components that are opinion based Clear Language and Writing Style Easily understood by educated nonspecialists Appearance and Design Visually engaging Presentation of information through charts, graphs, and photographs
- 17. COMPLEX Cause and effect are only coherent in retrospect and do not repeat Pattern management Perspective filters Complex adaptive systems Probe–Sense–Respond KNOWABLE Cause and effect are separated over time and space Analytical/Reductionist Scenario planning Systems thinking Sense–Analyze–Respond CHAOS No cause-and-effect relationships are perceivable Stability-focused intervention Enactment tools Crisis management Act–Sense–Respond KNOWN Cause-and-effect relationships are repeatable, perceivable, and predictable Legitimate best practice Standard operating procedures Process reengineering Sense–Categorize–Respond Sense-Making in a Complex and Complicated World
- 18. Learning Management Systems Learning Climate Executive Practices Vision and Strategy Organizational and Job Structures Managerial Practices Information Flow Individual and Team Practices Performance Goals and Feedback Work Processes Rewards and Recognition Learning and Development Individual and Team Development
- 19. Key Functions Gathering Internal Experience Communication Systems Developing an Organizational Memory Accessing External Learning Integrating Learning into Strategy and Policy Applying the Learning Drawing Conclusions Creating a Supportive Culture
- 20. Relating Human Nature to Organizational Context Concern with Attachment Affiliation Care-Giving Care-Receiving Altruism Remorse Shame Guilt Concern with Rank Status Discipline Control Territory Possessions Fear Anger Sex INNATE HUMAN DRIVES Self-Centered Other-Centered Self-Deception SCARCE RESOURCES Large "Stranger" Groups Domination Dependence Competitive Power Negative Politics Alienation Compliance Slow & Inflexible Small Interconnected "Friendship" Groups Collaboration Interdependence Collective Power Positive Politics Commitment Satisfaction Agile & Innovative
- 22. Process Model • Systematic, replicable work • Highly reliant on formal processes, methodologies, or standards • Dependent on tight integration across functional boundaries (Methodologies and standardization) Network Model • Improvisional work • Highly reliant on deep expertise across multiple functions • Dependent on fluid deployment of flexible teams (Alliances and expert teams) Systems Model • Routine work • Highly reliant on formal procedures and training • Dependent on individual workers and enforcement of rules (Automization and training) Competence Model • Judgment-oriented work • Highly reliant on individual expertise and experience • Dependent on star performers (Apprenticeships and individual experts) Levelof Interdependence CollaborationIndividual Actors Routine Interpretation and JudgmentComplexity of Work Work Styles Matrices
- 23. Unleashing Intellectual Capital Concern With Attachme nt Affiliation Care- Giving Care- Receivin g Altruism Remorse Shame Guilt Dynamic Core Compe- tencies Input Line-of- Sight Relation ships Shared Values Self Reference Vision Com- passion Empathy Trust Whole Precede Parts Wholes within Wholes Systems Thinking Activities Interactions Sentiments Common Purpose Visualizing Wholes Sense of Com- munity Concern With Rank Status Discipline Control Territory Possessio ns Fear Anger Sex Small Intercon nected "Friend- ship" Groups Collabo- ration Interde- pendence Collective Power Positive Politics Commit- ment Satisfac- tion Agile & Innovative Shared Access Social Systems Requi site Varie ty Pro- ducts Ser- vices O p e r a t i o n s F i n a n c i a l s Output Tacit Knowledge Explicit Knowledge Innate Human Drives Self- Centered Other- Centered Self-Deception Feedback Interactive Tenets Social Capital Generation Intellectual Capital Generation Market Responsiveness Order Parameter or Shared Identity (Synergy)
- 24. Motive, Means, and Opportunity Understanding Learning and Why It is Important • Ensure supportive leadership • Develop and sustain a learning culture Providing Models, Methods, and Support • Ensure conceptual clarity • Offer models and methods • Support the competences necessary to learn • Supply specialist assistance • Invest financial resources Opening a Space for Learning • Make organizational learning a strategic goal • Integrate learning in the project cycle • Invest in knowledge management infrastructure • Build relationships of trust Means Motive Opportunity
- 25. Strategy Development Management Techniques Collaboration Mechanisms Knowledge Sharing and Learning Knowledge Capture and Storage Necessary Competencies
- 26. Roadblocks to Learning Knowledge Inaction Practicing What Is Preached Multiplying Agendas Commitment to the Cause Advocacy at the Expense of Inquiry Thinking Strategically about Learning Undiscussables False Images The Funding Environment The Bias for Action Organizational Structure Cultural Bias Complexity Penalties for Not Learning The Role of Leadership Learning to Unlearn Exclusion
- 27. Employee Turnover Cost Categories Managing Talent for Value Planning, Acquiring, Developing, Managing, and Retaining Talent Replacement Advertising, Recruitment Expenses, Recruitment Fees, Sign-Up Bonuses, Selection, Interviews, Testing and Pre- Employment Examinations, Travel Expenses, Relocation Expenses, Administrative Time, Management Time Consequences Work Disruption, Lost Productivity (or replacement cost), Mentoring and Coaching Requirements, Operation Problems, Quality Problems, Client Dissatisfaction, Management Time, Loss of Know-How and Knowledge Exit Exit Interviews, Administration Time, Management Time, Benefits, Termination or Continuation, Continuation and Severance Pay, Unemployment Taxes, Legal Expenses, Outplacement
- 28. Bias for Action Felt Need for Action Avoidance of Reflective Observation Unclear Concepts Uncertainty of Outcomes Fear of Failure Avoidance of Decision Time Spent in Inconclusive Deliberations Urgency of Task
- 29. Organizational Learning Psychological Safety A Vision of a Path A Practice Field for Learning First Steps and Direction Working in Groups Coaching and Mentoring Incentives and Rewards A Supportive Culture Overcoming Learning Anxiety
- 30. Overcoming Challenges to Learning for Change in ADB Respond to donors’ agendas on knowledge management and learning Deliver on Strategy 2020's commitment to provide knowledge solutions to clients Ensure leadership support and encouragement for knowledge management and learning Overcome organizational “silos” Mobilize knowledge from inside and outside ADB Strengthen links among the knowledge services of ADB Position and resource knowledge management and learning as a crosscutting issue Create incentives for staff involvement in knowledge management and learning Maximize learning from evaluation Build understanding of and capacity for knowledge management and learning Learning for Change in ADB
- 31. A Learning Charter for ADB Statement of Intent ADB embraces the concepts of the learning organization to work better with its developing member countries and cultivate the talent of its staff members. Purpose and Results • To take concrete actions to transform ADB into a learning organization in its policies, strategies, programs, and projects, as well as the business processes and partnerships associated with these, to meet the challenges of the time. • To support lifelong learning and development by staff members to ensure that ADB is able to attract, retain, and develop the talent it needs in support of its mission.
- 32. Commitments to Corporate Action • Hold a regular caucus on learning (such as a forum on "Learning in Action"). • Clarify, simplify, and drive governance for human resources management, including learning and development. • Make clear the roles and responsibilities for learning and development so that there is clear accountability for results. • Develop learning and development plans in every department and office, and track and evaluate results. • Establish a minimum annual commitment of funds or time for learning for employees. A Learning Charter for ADB
- 33. Commitments to Individual Action • Be open to different ideas and ways of doing things. • Build (and model) an environment where discussion, debate, and questioning are encouraged. • Look out for good practices and capture and share them as appropriate. • Investigate and master tools, methods, and approaches that might enrich team discussions. • Seek regular inputs from clients, and benchmark the services provided against the best in ADB and comparable aid agencies. • Hold regular team meetings to examine what could be done differently, capture lessons learned, and share lessons with others. • Participate in communities of practice and other value networks, and encourage staff members to do the same. • Volunteer to coach and mentor younger or new staff members, and build requisite skills continuously. A Learning Charter for ADB
- 34. Further Reading • ADB. 2009. Learning for Change in ADB. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/learning-change-adb • ——. 2009. Overcoming Roadblocks to Learning . Manila. www.adb.org/publications/overcoming-roadblocks-learning • ——. 2009. Building a Learning Organization. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/building-learning-organization • ——. 2009. Drawing Learning Charters. Manila. http://www.adb.org/publications/drawing-learning-charters • ——. 2009. Learning from Evaluation. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/learning-evaluation
- 35. Further Reading • ADB. 2010. Seeking Feedback on Learning for Change. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/seeking-feedback-learning-change • ——. 2010. Learning in Development. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/learning-development • ——. 2012. On Organizational Configurations. Manila. www.adb.org/publications/organizational-configurations
- 36. Quick Response Codes @ADB @ADB Sustainable Development Timeline @Academia.edu @LinkedIn @ResearchGate @Scholar @SlideShare @Twitter