Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with revisitation of the management theory jungle, developing organizational learning capabilities in Europe, encouraging organizational learning through cultural diversity, and the role of corporate parent and its interaction with core competencies within multibusiness firms. It describes an action research project, called the National Action Learning Programme conducted in Ireland. The book discusses the relevancy of organizational learning as a result of globalization trends and the accompanying need for organizations to be more competitive. It suggests that the bulk of the extant studies on the performance impact of diversification strategy centers on synergy, or the utilization of core competencies in multiple businesses within the same corporation. The book shows that traditionally, organizational behavior literature and research have emphasized the positive-normative side of human behavior patterns in organizations.