Ethan learns to be a learning organization

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 12-14
Author(s):  
Geeta Rana ◽  
Alok Goel
Keyword(s):  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Relations ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Organizational Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to describe the main human resource management policies at Ethan Power Private Ltd, an Indian design, sales and manufacturing company, and the specific circumstances that led it to become a learning organization. Design/methodology/approach – This paper outlines the company’s origins and growth and its policies in such areas as recruitment, induction, training, remuneration, performance management and industrial relations. Findings – This paper reveals that learning organization concepts have stimulated debate in the business, and there is growing acceptance of self-managed development, empowerment and creativity. Practical implications – This paper explains that there is much more evidence in the company of effective teamwork and the principles of total quality management, while HR specialists are encouraging the processes of reflection and self-improvement that lie at the heart of organizational improvement. Social implications – This paper reveals that, in general, and while fully complying with industrial-relations legislation, the company prefers to employ people who are not members of a trade union. Originality/value – This paper details the factors that led an Indian organization to change its organizational culture and how this change was achieved.

Performance assessment is a two-way street at Dell

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 11-13
Author(s):  
Jasmeet Singh
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Quality Information ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hr Management ◽  
High Quality Information ◽  
Management Policies ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Global Computer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the principal human resource (HR) management policies at global computer giant Dell. Design/methodology/approach – This paper focuses on performance management, recruitment, career development, employee development, remuneration and research and development. Findings – The importance of the company’s Tell Dell survey, which gives employees the regular opportunity to comment on the performance of their managers has been highlighted. Practical implications – This paper explains that this produces such high-quality information that it feeds directly into the company’s total-quality-management initiatives. Social implications – It has been revealed that Dell employees can recommend their family or friends for employment at the company. Originality/value – A useful overview of HR management at Dell.

scholarly journals Is innovation the future of quality management?

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 232-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Lilja ◽  
David Hansen ◽  
Johan Fredrikson ◽  
Daniel Richardsson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Concepts ◽  
Literature Reviews ◽  
Operational Excellence ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Upcoming as well as mature industries are facing pressure as regards successfully managing operational excellence, and, at the same time, driving and managing innovation. Quality management concepts and practices’ ability to tackle this challenge have been questioned. It has even been suggested that there is a need to provide and promote an updated/changed, and even re-branded, version of Total Quality Management, merging quality management (QM) and innovation management (IM). Can such a shift then actually be spotted? The purpose of this paper is to explore and see if there are any signs suggesting that QM and IM actually are about to merge. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on literature reviews, document studies and interviews. Findings The paper highlights three signs indicating that QM and IM indeed are approaching each other, and that it is a movement driven from both sectors, e.g., in the work with new ISO-standards and the Toyota Kata framework. Originality/value The indicated development has fundamental and extensive practical implications. It will for example have to be followed by a similar merging of the two fields in the educational system, and in the competences of future managers.

Contradictions in TQM implementation

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Yaw Banuro ◽  
Alexander Ntiri-Ampomah ◽  
Joseph Kwaku Banuro
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Multinational Companies ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to confirm the existence of contradictions in total quality management (TQM) implementation among some Ghanaian companies and to provide a framework for balancing these contradictions. Design/methodology/approach Closed-ended questionnaires were used as a survey instrument. A sample of 80 managers from 40 Ghanaian multinational companies implementing TQM responded to the questionnaires. Findings The results showed that the implementation of TQM comes with inherent contradictions, which may hinder the success of TQM if not checked. Three pairs of contradictions were established in this study, namely “Standardization vs Innovation,” “Manipulation vs Empowerment,” and “Collectivism vs Individualism.” A framework was proposed to balance these contradictions in order to ensure TQM success. Research limitations/implications The study used all the 40 ISO certified firms in Ghana, but this number is quite small relative to ISO certified firms worldwide. Further, the study was done in Ghana and, for these reasons, generalization to the rest of the world is limited. Practical implications The proposed framework when applied by managers to balance the contradictions will achieve success in TQM implementation. Originality/value Previous studies have talked about the existence of the contradictions. This paper proposes a framework to balance the existing contradictions. This framework is new and has never been proposed in the literature to minimize the adverse effects of these contradictions on a firm’s profit generation.

The role of value and virtues in TQM: an overview of literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Moccia
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Total Quality Management ◽  
Empirical Data ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Comprehensive List ◽  
Mediating Variables ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relation between values and virtues and the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and thus to propose a tentative framework of relationships. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual. It reviews some lists of values present in literature, and summarizes them in a more comprehensive list. Then the list of values is summarized in conjunction with a list of core virtues. Thus, it tries to explain the relation between them and the principles of TQM, passing through the two mediating variables passion and trust. Findings – A model of TQM based on core virtues is proposed. Research limitations/implications – The lack of empirical data that can validate the model. Practical implications – Considering the emphasis placed on virtues, the model can have some practical implications in the field of recruitment, promotion, and leadership. Originality/value – The paper attempts to link values and virtues to the principles of TQM by developing a model of interactions. A novel framework that can provide a basis for further research into the profound nature of quality management has been proposed. Furthermore, some implications that should be useful for recruiters and managers are discussed.

scholarly journals Down to earth: Gaia storytelling and the learning organization

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Mølbjerg Jørgensen ◽  
Anete Mikkala Camille Strand ◽  
Julia Hayden ◽  
Mogens Sparre ◽  
Jens Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Zone ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Truth Telling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Beginning ◽  
Shape Learning ◽  
Life On Earth ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In accordance with Latour, this paper aims to respond to the call for a “down-to-earth” post-learning organization approach to sustainability, which is critical of Senge’s conception of learning organization (LO). Design/methodology/approach “Gaia storytelling” is used to define a LO that is “down to earth.” Findings Gaia is understood through the notion of a critical zone, which foregrounds the local and differentiated terrestrial conditions in which life on Earth is embedded. Practical implications Gaia storytelling implies perceiving LO as a network of storytelling practices enacted and told by unique creative citizens. Such an organization sustains and grows through several entangled storytelling cycles that allow Gaia to shape learning. Social implications The article distinguishes five different storytelling cycles as a way to explore how the Gaia theater cycle connects to other cycles. The four other cycles are called Gaia thinking, explorative, creative and Gaia truth-telling. Originality/value A Gaian LO is a new beginning for LO.

scholarly journals Approaches to help the practitioner determine “are we a learning organization”

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 362-365
Author(s):  
Simon Reese
Keyword(s):  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The “Implication for practitioners” paper summarizes the articles within this issue of The Learning Organization in an easy-to-digest format for the practitioner audience. This paper aims to outline how in practice the structure and people and the interplay of both have an impact in creating a learning organization. Included in the paper is a summary of articles within this issue that outline different studies that can easily lead toward actions in practice. Design/methodology/approach The summary identifies specific elements from the articles within this issue that can applied in practice. Findings This issue of The Learning Organization is full of content to help practitioners think more deeply about assessing their organization and offers application of tools that can be easily applied in any organization. Practical implications The “Implication for practitioners” paper aims to outline areas where the articles can be further applied. The articles within this issue outline how structure and characteristics (or people) can provide a significant impact on developing a learning organization. Originality/value Readers can gain value in reading this summary, as it outline some of the many practical ideas outlined within the articles of this issue of The Learning Organization.

Spaces of performance: a storytelling approach to learning in higher education

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 410-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Mølbjerg Jørgensen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Theoretical Discussion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Approach To Learning ◽  
Conditions For Learning ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
And Control ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to provide a framework for reflecting on how different ways of configuring spaces in higher education (HE) condition the possibilities of learning. Second, the purpose is to construct a storytelling approach for the configuration of such spaces. Design/methodology/approach The paper’s conceptual purpose is achieved through a theoretical discussion of three concepts: performance, politics and storytelling. Findings Learning in HE needs reconsideration in terms of what kinds of learning are made possible through the discursive and material configuration of the spaces of research and teaching. In particular, the focus to some extent should move away from the management and control of learning toward what enables learning. Practical implications The literature on organizational learning and the learning organization comprise concepts, methods and tools that play different roles with regard to controlling, shaping and enabling learning. When the focus is on learning in HE, it is important to be aware of the tracks of learning these technologies enable. Social implications The interest in managing and controlling learning is often problematic in relation to the potential of HE to produce new and innovative forms of learning. Originality/value This paper introduces the term “spaces of performance,” which directs attention toward the material, discursive and relational conditions for learning. It also introduces a space of storytelling as a new principle for learning in HE.

Learning organization – organization emerging from presence

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
Nataša Rupčić
Keyword(s):  
Learning Organization ◽  
Critical Review ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Problems ◽  
Wicked Problems ◽  
Social Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of transcending individual, organizational and social problems through the prism of presence as suggested by Senge et al. (2012). Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on the critical review of previous contributions. Findings The idea of a learning organization seems romantic and elusive, as well as difficult to implement, especially when the definition by Senge (1990) is considered. At the same time, organizational and social complexity is increasing and resulting in numerous difficult or wicked problems. To reach integrative and transcending solutions, a change in perception and surrender to presence is key. Research limitations/implications Conclusions provided in the paper could benefit from further practice to corroborate the findings. Practical implications Suggestions for practitioners have been provided on how to solve personal, organizational and social problems on the basis of the paradigm shift and the shift in perception. Originality/value In this paper, the individual, organizational and social dimensions in terms of their intricacies are considered and solutions are offered that could simultaneously solve wicked problems on all three levels.

New learning and old learning

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-23
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Learning Organization ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
New Learning ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds his/her own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Organizational learning is one of those themes that everyone within a firm can get on board with. It sounds important and logical, and no one is going to argue against organizational learning, are they? Once the HR department declares your firm a “learning organization” and ensures that knowledge management processes are updated, new training is rolled out and mentoring introduced across hierarchies, everyone will be happy in the knowledge that they are now part of a learning organization. Practical implications This paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Quality management vision of future early career operations managers

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shokri ◽  
Farhad Nabhani
Keyword(s):  
Quality Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Future Generation ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Knowledge Development ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Non Parametric ◽  
Operations Managers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the gap between the current vision and knowledge of future early career operations managers (OM) and a common strategic total quality management (TQM) framework. Design/methodology/approach A survey questionnaire and a non-parametric test for different groups of participants were adopted to identify the gap and analyse the significance of these groups on the factors in the TQM framework. Findings A new set of TQM factors with the necessity of more knowledge and understanding of future generation were identified, followed by the identification of clear differences amongst different groups of this generation. Practical implications A sustainable OM practice needs managers and leaders with a sustainable knowledge development of quality management (QM); and as the result of this study, the current vision of future young OM would not echo this. Originality/value This study has a systematic, non-parametric approach towards currently fragmented QM analysis, and is integrated with human resource and visionary elements of future young OM and universal QM models and theories.

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