Title: How can a learning network support organisational development?

Authors: Sari Salojarvi, Paivi Tynjala, Liisa Myyry, Merja Ikonen-Varila, Pentti Nikkanen

Addresses: JTO School of Management, Aavaranta, 02150 Oitmaki, Finland. ' Finnish Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyvaskyla, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland. ' Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 54, 00014 Helsinki, Finland. ' Institute of Behavioural Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland. ' Finnish Institute for Educational Research, University of Jyvaskyla, P.O. Box 35, 40014 Jyvaskyla, Finland

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the development processes within a network project, The Learning Network of Knowledge Management. The study focuses on the impact of the network on two participating companies. The following research questions were addressed: (a) how did participation in a learning network support professional development of individuals; (b) how did it advance clarifying the mission, collaboration and work roles of teams; (c) how did organisational practices and processes develop as a result of the network project? The data were collected with interviews. The findings showed that the starting points, processes and results differed in two organisations. Both companies set the development of the team as the main target of the project. In one company this aim was achieved, while in the other company the impact was more indirect and mainly took place on the level of individuals instead of the team level.

Keywords: learning networks; knowledge management; KM; organisational development; organisational learning; organisational change; professional development; individual development; mission clarification; collaboration; team working; organisational practices; organisational processes; human resource development; HRD; Finland; strategic change management; knowledge governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCM.2010.035852

International Journal of Strategic Change Management, 2010 Vol.2 No.4, pp.375 - 395

Published online: 06 Oct 2010 *

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