A learning organization is a dynamic system. It's purpose is to detect disturbances
to the dynamic equalibrium and take steps to restore it. It seeks the optimum.
Using the rules from Cybernetics, it is possible to design structures for dynamic
processes. Whenever activities threaten to ignore someone, the concerned group
or individual can make a correction. The circle process seeks the optimum by identifying
limits that we can live with and operate within. Endenburg uses the example of
a bike weaving down a bike lane. The limits are the curb and the car lane. The
bike doesn't travel in an exact straight line - nor do we aim to make the bike
go in a straight line. That straight line is the optimum, which we as the biker
seek, but we don't need to stay on it. We weave back and forth near it, correcting
our path based on the circumstances that we find ourselves in at the time.
There are
three functions that the circle process governs:
Leading
Doing, and
Measuring
If any of
these aspects are missing, then the . Of course, any circle needs to have a
vision, mission, and aim to keep it on track.
'The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook' (TFD) is a book about Learning Organizations. On page 59 the idea of The Wheel of Learning is introduced. There are four elements included in this wheel. They are:
Deciding
Doing
Reflecting, and
Connecting
As you can
see, they are pretty similar. TFD's reflecting is used to observe. Connecting
is generating new ideas. Endenburg's Leading is the same as TFD's Connecting
and Deciding put together.
9-Block Charting
The 9-block chart is a tool to help evaluate processes and identify faulty - usually missing - pieces. The pieces usually missing are measuring parts.
Any process can be looked at as having an Input, a Transformation, and an Output. Then look at each of these elements as having a Leading, Doing, and Measuring.
leading input
leading transformation
leading output
doing input
doing transformation
doing output
measuring input
measuring transformation
measuring output
Here is a possible
9-block chart for a business.
Looking for / finding the exchange partner
Create conditions for generating / production of exchange objects
Create conditions for the execution of the exchange
Mutual involvement in order to create the exchange (relation).
Balancing supply and demand, describing the exchange (relation)
Generate, produce, serve, etc., the exchange objects
Exchange of the objects / services
Confirm agreements about the exchange and release of the exchange
(relation) for execution
Verification (by the organisation) that the exchange objects are according
to the exchange agreement of step 3, resulting in the release of the exchange
object for transfer
Confirm the fact that the terms of the agreement of step 3 have been
fulfilled: release of the exchange agreement
Here is a possible
9-block chart for a school.
Acquisition of students
look for potential clients (parents/students)
Education of students
preparation of the teaching (people, means, method)
preparations for the graduation
intake (co-ordination of supply and demand)
teaching
graduation ceremony
Graduation of students
agreement/contract
testing /(internal)exams
satisfied students (& parents)
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was last updated June 1st, 2002 by webmaster Ted.