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Organizational learning and emotion: Constructing collective meaning in support of strategic themes

Lookup NU author(s): Professor John Sillince

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Abstract

Missing in the organizational learning literature is an integrative framework that reflects the emotional as well as the cognitive dynamics involved. Here, we take a step in this direction by focusing in depth over time (five years) on a selected organization which manufactures electronic equipment for the office industry. Drawing on personal construct theory, we define organizational learning as the collective re-construal of meaning in the direction of strategically significant themes. We suggest that emotions arise as members reflect on progress or lack of progress in achieving organizational learning. Our evidence suggests that invalidation – where organizational learning fails to correspond with expectations – gives rise to anxiety and frustration, while validation – where organizational learning is aligned with or exceeds expectations – evokes comfort or excitement. Our work aims to capture the key emotions involved as organizational learning proceeds.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Shipton H, Sillince JAA

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Management Learning

Year: 2013

Volume: 44

Issue: 5

Pages: 493-510

Print publication date: 01/11/2013

Online publication date: 03/07/2012

ISSN (print): 1350-5076

ISSN (electronic): 1461-7307

Publisher: Sage Publications Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1350507612450547

DOI: 10.1177/1350507612450547

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