On Definitions of the Learning Organization: Toward a New Definition of Learning Organization

Despite a large body of literature on learning organization, a clear definition of learning organization has proved to be elusive over the years. This chapter critically reviews several “mainstream” as well as less frequent definitions to develop a broader understanding of the conceptualization of learning organization. As a result of the analysis, a comprehensive definition of learning organization is developed for future use. A learning organization is an organization in which a supportive learning culture and structure are strong enough to enable learning mindsets and systems learning across the organization to constantly transform and innovate itself for sustainable development in a complex and uncertain environment. At the same time, this chapter indicates possible venues for future research in the learning organization field.