The Learning Organization Organizational Innovation

Question: Discuss about theLearning Organizationfor Organizational Innovation. Answer: Introduction There are two types of organizations found in the present business who are defined as learning organization and traditional organization. Out of these two types of organizations, learning organization is the latest trend of business while traditional organization is old fashioned business module. Both the organizations have their own features and characteristics which can distinguish them with their specialty. In this article, the discussion will be made for these two types of organization highlighting their characteristics, with the type of leaderships evolved from them and the discussion will feature the distinctive comparison between them to find the most suitable business organization out of these two(Johnson, 2009). Characteristics Traditional Organization Traditional organization is that type of organization which is depending upon the traditional mode of hierarchical structure. This system endorses the flow of power with upward and vertical direction which makes the employees confined to the departments. This system is depending upon the concept of following command in the cycle. This system empowers the CEO for any decision making related to fixation of objectives and finalize strategies to accomplish objectives, where as departmental managers have to obey the guideline to perform for routine work as per fixed system of operation. The best example of this organization is army of any country where every soldier is answerable to the commanding officer while the Head of the State is on the top of the pyramid as commander-in-chief(Singh, 2012). Learning Organization Learning Organization is the most modern concept of organization powered by latest management trend. This type of organization provides the environment which makes the stakeholders feel free and independent so far creativity is concerned. There is inherent tendency of human being to think critically about any issue and through the knowledge base the effort of solving problem is treated as natural instinct. This concept endorses this model which empowers individual to think independently, with critical mindset to communicate ideas and concepts with creative attitude, and co-operate the team though the process of inquiry and action. This concept is running with belief that learning is a continuous process through which one can develop adapt and transform their though as per the needs of the situation(Spatguru, 2014). Comparison of Traditional and Learning Organization Traditional Organization Learning Organization Run by the decision of Single Entity Independent decision makers with enriched knowledge base Power flows vertically and upward Power flows horizontally and downward No scope of implementation of thinking(Studymode, 2016). Vast scope of implementation of thoughts with anticipated value addition to the organization This type of organization endorses on routine work with no scope of creativity left for delivering This type of organization encourages decentralized way of delivering through endorsing of creativity and thoughtfulness No encouragement of utilization of knowledge base of employees Gives scope to the employees to use their knowledgebase by providing the scope of creativity Creation of closed door environment Creation of open environment Responsibility confined to own job only Cooperative attitude is encouraged for solving the problem(Senge, 2008). Applicability of Learning Organization Learning organization concept is neo-management concept. It gives freedom to the employees in their domain of work with development of own creativity through the knowledgebase he has. It is also providing open environment to the employees. With the knowledgebase gathered through study or through training, the employees can deploy their own knowledgebase for betterment of the organization in the area of deliverance. There is conflict between the two thoughts- traditional and learning organization. Although traditional organization sponsors the through of conservative attitude, it is required in different level of operations like manufacturing. Learning organization can develop the idea of independent through in the area of work, but while the job is demanding a certain line of action, this model is not worth. Learning organization develops the culture of independent thinking, but it depends upon the capacity of the participants how far they are equipped with this concept(Bryan, 2009). Types of Leadership Both the type of organizations needs leaders. For traditional organization the leadership style is different from that of learning organizations. Given below the leadership styles applicable for two types of organizations: Leadership Style-Traditional Organization Traditional organization normally features as hierarchical pyramid shape keeping the head of the organization placed on the top. Hence the style of leadership found in this type of organization is mainly authoritative in nature. This type of leadership always tries to keep the relationship between the boss and the subordinates as professional, keeping distinct distance. The leader of this type always believes that subordinates are there to ensure compliance the instructions flow from him. He never asks hi subordinates about their feeling about the decision taken by him. This leads to the environment which is not open and autocratic in nature(Wordpress, 2011). Leadership Style- Learning Organization The leadership style normally prevails in the learning organization is democratic leadership style. This type of leadership style always sponsors the concept of discuss and decide model. The leader always discusses about the strategies and the implementation process of the strategies to be fixed for common objective of the organization. This style of leadership gives scopes to the team members to think independently through their knowledge base and can give suggestions to the leader as per their own thought. The leader depends upon the majority thoughts and decides to implement the strategies(Rijal, 2010). Innovative Leadership Innovative Leadership in Traditional Organization The scope of innovative leadership is remote in traditional organization as the leader of the organization is placed on the top and has the liberty to decide on the issues of his won. If his knowledgebase can not support the need of the decision, he may ask subordinates about their views but that is not formal. Hence the scope of innovative leadership is not as prominent in traditional organization as this type of organization does not believe on the concept of co-operative exchange of ideas(Newdirectionsconsulting, 2011). Innovative Leadership in Learning Organization This type of organization always encourages the concept of innovative leadership. For this purpose this type of organization provides frequent training to upgrade the knowledgebase of the stakeholders it is often found that the team members actively participate in the meeting to fix strategies and contribute in positive manner to the decisions to be taken by adding value through their enriched knowledge base and experience. Learning organizations always promote decentralization of leadership and they always welcome innovative ideas for the betterment of the organization. Thus the concept of innovative leadership is encouraged through the organization and the organizations are getting enriched with the innovative leadership by value addition to the organization(Hsiao Chang, 2011). Conclusion: The basic difference of traditional and learning organizations are lying with its concept. While traditional concept is conservative in nature, learning concept promotes open air environment with independent thinking and scope of enhancement of knowledgebase of the stakeholders. It is often found that debate is raised which concept is more effective. It entirely depends upon the outlook of the management how they want to be benefited with the concept of organization. The ultimate aim is to prosper individually with the organization as a whole. So the tested option to be adopted to ensure the prosperity of the organization. The neo-concept of learning organization gives scope to the employees to excel in their own domain through enhanced knowledgebase gained by training and sharing with co employees in the vast areas of operation to be covered. Traditional organization is not leaving such scope as the employees are confined to the limitation of their own domain and not allowed to move to other areas which restrict their enhancement of knowledgebase. References: Bryan, C. S. (2009, January 01). The application of learning organization principles to church growth. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Waldenu: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1645context=dissertations Hsiao, H.-C., Chang, J.-C. (2011, December). The role of organizational learning in transformational leadership and organizational innovation. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Springer: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12564-011-9165-x Johnson, R. (2009, March 03). Is your Company a Learning Organization or the Traditional Efficient Performance Organization? Retrieved November 17, 2016, from 4hoteliers: https://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/3821 Newdirectionsconsulting. (2011, September 15). TEAMING: Traditional vs. Innovative Managers (Guestblogger: Robert Gilbert). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Newdirectionsconsulting: https://www.newdirectionsconsulting.com/leadership-engagement/traditional-vs-innovative-managers-guestblogger-robert-gilbert-2/ Rijal, S. (2010). Leadership Style And Organizational Culture In Learning Organization: A Comparative Study ;https://www.cluteinstitute.com/ojs/index.php/IJMIS/article/viewFile/19/17. International Journal of Management Information Systems , 14 (05), 119-127. Senge, P. M. (2008, December 15). The Learning Organization. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from nwlink: https://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/learnor2.html Singh, D. (2012, September 09). Traditional Organization Modern Organization. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Topbullets: https://topbullets.com/2012/09/09/difference-between-traditional-and-modern-organization/ Spatguru. (2014, September 18). A learning organization and its charactistics. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Spatguru: https://ispatguru.com/a-learning-organization-and-its-characteristics/ Studymode. (2016). Comparison of traditional and learning organization. Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Studymode: https://www.studymode.com/essays/Traditional-Learning-Organizations-461854.html Wordpress. (2011, August 26). What is the difference between traditional and contemporary leadership? Retrieved November 17, 2016, from Wordpress: https://stupidstuffsfordummies.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/what-is-the-difference-between-traditional-and-contemporary-leadership/