Organizational learning in the public sector : a study with reference to the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements

Date
2012-03
Authors
Majila, Victoria Thozama
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter one provides a general introduction to the entire study. It covers the background; rationale; research questions; aims; objectives; and the theoretical grounding of the study. Chapter two provides a review of relevant literature on systems thinking, in particular the role of learning in living systems. This chapter also explores definitions of both learning organization and organizational learning, covering the topics of individual, team and organizational learning, types of organizational learning including single-loop, double-loop and deutero-learning. Enablers of and barriers to organizational learning are examined. Characteristics of a learning organization are discussed. Chapter three reports on a literature review on the applicability of lessons learned systems, as a knowledge sharing tool in the public sector. Attention is given to the advantages and disadvantages and there is a focus on how this can be implemented in the Eastern Cape department of Human settlements. The chapter also reviews available literature on frameworks of organizational learning. In Chapter four analyses are presented of empirical research in the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements to determine whether there are practices in place that support organisational learning, or might encourage the department to become a learning organization. The chapter interprets responses and provides findings. In chapter five a framework that could facilitate organisational learning in the Department is suggested. The chapter highlights academic implications as well as implications of the study for practitioners of organizational learning; and draws conclusions.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoofstuk 1 bied ‘n algemene inleiding tot die studie. Dit handel oor die agtergrond, rasionaal, navorsingsvrae, doelstelling en die teoretiese begronding van die navorsing. Hoofstuk 2 bied ‘n oorsig van relevante literatuur oor sisteemdenke, en in besonder van leer in lewende sisteme.Die volgende temas word behandel: lerende organisasie, organisatoriese leer, individuele, span- en organisasie-leer, enkelslag-, dubbelslag- en deuteroleer. Drywers van en beperkinge op organisatoriese leer word bespreek. Hoofstruk 3 behandel literatuur oor ‘lessons learnt systems’ en hoe toepaslik dit in die openbare sektor kan wees. Daar word spesifiek gefokus op die Departement Menslike Vestigings in die Oos-Kaap Provinsie. Hoofsturk 4 bied die analise aan van ‘n ondersoek in bogenoemde departement om te bepaal in watter mate praktyke bestaan wat as organisatoriese leer gereken kan word, of as sodanig uitgebou kan word. Hoofstuk 5 stel ‘n raamwerk voor vir organisatoriese leer in die departement. Gevolgtrekkings vir die praktisyns van organisatoriese leer, sowel as die akademie daarvan, word gemaak.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Keywords
Organizational learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape, Dissertations -- Information science, Theses -- Information science
Citation