Integrating Cultural Perspectives Into Organizational Learning

Abstract

Higher education has a distinct culture. Subsets of this unique culture are found in specific professional schools, including medical, dental, law, and business schools. Just as every person is different, every institution is also distinctive. Regardless of similarities, successful initiatives at one institution may not translate to another institution. To succeed, a culture of learning, open dialogue, and unbiased, active listening must reverberate through every person and level of hierarchy within the organization. This chapter will delve into the hallmarks of a learning organization and provide useful tools to create successful learning organizations at the program, departmental, and organizational levels while simultaneously being open to transformative learning opportunities for its faculty and staff.