The Learning Process

Acquiring information: The key challenge is separating out relevant from irrelevant information, signals from noise. Managers tend to receive information selectively.

Interpreting information: People tend to interpret information based on various assumptions about markets, customers, competitors, technology, the organization’s goals and competencies. The validity of these assumptions must be checked from time to time.

Applying information: The company must modify its behavior to reflect new knowledge and insights. Managers must send clear signals and offer opportunities to practise new behaviors. Unnecessary and outdated tasks must be eliminated even as new ones are added.

Source: David Garvin, “Learning in Action,” Harvard Business School Press, 2000.