Abstract
M.Comm.
The general purpose of this study is to determine whether a professional
South Africa services organisation has in general adapted to the principles of
the fifth discipline as identified by Peter Senge. An empirical study was
conducted to determine to what extent the organisation is implementing each
of the five learning organisation disciplines, namely: (i) personal mastery, (ii)
mental models, (iii) shared vision, (iv) team learning and (v) system thinking.
A non-probability sampling design method was chosen to determine the
research group of which 242 individuals from the chosen organisation
responded. The statistical procedures utilised in the data analyses included
the analysis of frequencies, reliabilities, significance, correlations as well as a
factor analysis.
The research indicated that the chosen organisation has to a large extent
adapted to the first three principles of a learning organisation. The fourth
discipline was moderately to a large extent implemented while the fifth
discipline was in a small to moderate extent implemented. The organisation
can therefore not be classified as a learning organisation. This research
group was selective and is not representative of other professional services
organisations. It is therefore not possible to generalize the findings of this
study.
Recommendations made to the organisation included: ensuring continuous
employee learning opportunities; ensuring a culture where learning is
encouraged and embraced; performance review practices to ensure goal
setting; as well as measuring of progress towards goals and implement
knowledge management databases to ensure data, information and
knowledge are stored for future reference. Management should furthermore
encourage employees to participate in worthwhile dialogue and discussions to
ensure optimal learning. Continuous feedback need to be established in order
to ensure further team learning and to enhance system thinking.