Reflective Paper Sample
University of Pennsylvania
ScholarlyCommons
Master of Philosophy Theses
Organizational Dynamics Programs
5-5-2010
Aspects Of Organizational Learning: Four
Reflective Essays
Jerrold A. Walton
University of Pennsylvania, jwalton231@comcast.net
Submitted to the Program of Organizational Dynamics in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania
Advisor: Larry Starr
This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. http://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_mp/6
For more information, please contact repository@pobox.upenn.edu.
Aspects Of Organizational Learning: Four Reflective Essays
Abstract
This thesis presents my responses to questions posed by four professors with whom I studied while completing my coursework in the Organizational Master’s Degree program at the University of Pennsylvania.
My paper will present various perspectives on learning organizations – organizations characterized by a capability to adapt to changes in environment. All questions posed by each professor impact learning organizations in some manner. Dr. Stankard’s questions focus on the roadblocks organizations face when transforming to learning organizations. Dr. Kaminstein’s questions center on how organizations can become less individualistic and more team-centered. Dr. Wilkinsky queried how developmental coaching might be used to increase organizational performance. Finally, Dr. Russo asked how to address the misalignment that occurs when the leader-manager’s coaching model is not the same as the larger organization. This project has allowed me to investigate and reflect on potential key drivers of organizational learning. I have learned that a multitude of individual and organizational complexities – internal and external – affect and determine if organizations learn and whether learning is sustained. To successfully navigate those complexities through
planned
ScholarlyCommons
Master of Philosophy Theses
Organizational Dynamics Programs
5-5-2010
Aspects Of Organizational Learning: Four
Reflective Essays
Jerrold A. Walton
University of Pennsylvania, jwalton231@comcast.net
Submitted to the Program of Organizational Dynamics in the Graduate Division of the School of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania
Advisor: Larry Starr
This paper is posted at ScholarlyCommons. http://repository.upenn.edu/od_theses_mp/6
For more information, please contact repository@pobox.upenn.edu.
Aspects Of Organizational Learning: Four Reflective Essays
Abstract
This thesis presents my responses to questions posed by four professors with whom I studied while completing my coursework in the Organizational Master’s Degree program at the University of Pennsylvania.
My paper will present various perspectives on learning organizations – organizations characterized by a capability to adapt to changes in environment. All questions posed by each professor impact learning organizations in some manner. Dr. Stankard’s questions focus on the roadblocks organizations face when transforming to learning organizations. Dr. Kaminstein’s questions center on how organizations can become less individualistic and more team-centered. Dr. Wilkinsky queried how developmental coaching might be used to increase organizational performance. Finally, Dr. Russo asked how to address the misalignment that occurs when the leader-manager’s coaching model is not the same as the larger organization. This project has allowed me to investigate and reflect on potential key drivers of organizational learning. I have learned that a multitude of individual and organizational complexities – internal and external – affect and determine if organizations learn and whether learning is sustained. To successfully navigate those complexities through
planned
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