Organizational unlearning: the challenges of a developing phenomenon

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a synthesis of the contributions to this special issue focusing on organizational unlearning.Design/methodology/approachThe papers were examined in depth to identify the key contributions and areas of ongoing concern for those researching unlearning.FindingsEach paper was noted as making a unique contribution to the unlearning debate, and the authors’ understanding of this critical issue, however, areas of divergence or contradiction remain. Although the special issue called for a range of disciplines to engage with the topic, it is clear that some disciplines and contexts have embraced the concept of unlearning more than others, and that there are some key issues that remain problematic for advancing research of this phenomenon. Two key imperatives include clarifying and aligning terminology and advancing stronger underpinning empirical research of unlearning.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the current contradictions and questions relating to organizational unlearning and argues that it is time for clarity and more empirical research about this critical topic.