UnderstandingMulti‐levelLearning in Organizations: A Comparison of Lean and the Learning Organization

Abstract

Learning organization (LO) models emphasize learning at multiple levels (individual, team, and organization). The Lean literature addresses multi-level improvement in performance with specific strategies to coordinate and mobilize individuals, teams, and organizations. We review the key models in LO and Lean literatures to identify factors that facilitate learning and performance, respectively. We compare and contrast Lean and LO characteristics for better understanding of how divergent foci on learning and performance are likely to affect organizational learning and performance in different ways. The review concludes with implications for theory and research for workplace learning and HRD.