Learning from Work: Designing Organizations for Learning and Communication - Softcover

"Learning from Work is a satisfying read that sheds light on the situated nature of workplace learning. Prepackaged learning solutions don't work for good reasons-as Anne Beamish shows in this case study of automobile dealerships. Readers will see how they can use design thinking to get below the surface of learning problems and proposed solutions." -Victoria J. Marsick, Co-Director, J.M. Huber Institute for Learning in Organizations "Learning from Work is an excellent example of what we miss if we do not base our organizational theories and management prescriptions on a close look at actual workplace practices. The detailed case study of car dealerships illustrates superbly the complex set of issues that influence behaviors in an organizational context, meaning that simple, rationale solutions to apparent problems may backfire because the problem is not as it initially appears. Using a design lens and adopting a multidisciplinary, multiple perspectives approach, the author is able to show us more realistic ways to create a learning organization." -- Sue Newell * Bentley College and Warwick Business School *

In a rapidly changing and unpredictable business environment, the sharing of knowledge, communication, and learning have become increasingly important. Learning from Work addresses these growing workplace needs. Using the example of automobile dealerships, Beamish examines how workers communicate and learn. Rather than relying on standard solutions, the author shows how applying design thinking to complex management and policy problems can lead to more effective solutions for learning and collaborating in any organization.