Organisational learning and knowledge management : a prospective analysis based on the levels of consciousness

Abstract

n this chapter, we analyse the concepts of organizational learning and knowledge management by relating them to the levels of human and organizational consciousness. In doing so, we understand the existence of different conceptualizations of both organizational learning and knowledge management, and relate them to several organizational models and levels of organizational learning. The learning organization model is related to the highest level of consciousness and to the highest level of learning: triple-loop learning. We associate this with an organizational learning perspective that stresses the importance of mindfulness, mindful learning, and with a knowledge management perspective that considers that knowledge might be a hindrance for real learning. Mindful learning has to do with being fully conscious, mindful, humble, with no knowledge; otherwise we only increase knowledge. To learn is not simply to collect knowledge. It is important to learn to observe without previous knowledge. Therefore, from this perspective, knowledge will in fact be a hindrance for organizational learning.