ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to provide readers with an understanding of organizational theory. The chapter covers some aspects of the history and context of organizational learning. It also defines and explains various learning protocols and how they can be used to promote organizational learning. The overall objective of organizational learning is to support a process that guides individuals, groups, and entire communities through transformation. Indeed, evidence of organizational transformation provides the very proof that learning has occurred and that changes in behavior are occurring. What is important in this regard is that transformation remains internal to the organization so that it can evolve in a progressive manner while maintaining the valuable knowledge base that is contained within the personnel of an organization. Thus, the purpose of organizational learning is to foster evolutionary transformation that will lead to change in behaviors and that is geared toward improving strategic performance.
