Enhancing viability through better management of learning in non-profit organisations.
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Date
2008
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Abstract
The question of how to enhance viability is ever present in the minds of leaders of
Non Profit Organizations. By using a methodological pluralism approach involving
concepts in organisational learning, appreciative inquiry, systems thinking and the
Viable Systems Model, this study investigates the capacity for learning in five Non
Profit Organizations and links this capacity to their viability. A case is established
through a review of literature that only organizations that adopt a generative learning
posture, can survive in times of great change and contextual turbulence.
The study, which followed an appreciative inquiry process, interviewed leaders from
the five organizations in both semi-structured interviews as well as questionnaires. It
found that while learning is taking place all the time in the organizations studied, most
of that learning is lost to the organisations for lack of effective capturing, storing,
disseminating and rewarding systems. These organisations also lack a clear
conceptual framework to guide their learning. The learning present in most of the
organizations is of a single loop nature, which is limited in not allowing the critique of
the assumptions and worldviews behind the experiences of individuals in the
organisation.
This study therefore recommends prioritisation of collective learning within the
organizations studied by investing in policies, structures and systems that support
dialogue and reflective practices. To this end, the study recommends that if these
organizations are to better their viability, they will have to develop a more systemic
approach not only to their learning but also to their management.
Keywords: Learning Organisation, viable systems model, knowledge management,
participatory action research, systems thinking and practice, strategic
conversations, dialogue, non profit organizations, Appreciative Inquiry, vocabularies
of hope.
Description
Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.
Keywords
Non-profit organization--Education., Management--Non-profit organizations., Theses--Leadership and management.