Title: Curiosity, mindfulness and learning style in the acquisition of knowledge by individuals/organisations

Authors: Nancy H. Leonard, Michael Harvey

Addresses: College of Business and Economics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506–6025, USA. ' University of Mississippi, P.O. Box 1848, MS 38677, USA and Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

Abstract: Purpose of the paper: the purpose of the paper is to examine the role of curiosity in the learning process. Given the increasing complexity of conducting business in a global context, it is felt that learning will become central to the success/failure of managers. This paper explores curiosity and how in conjunction with mindfulness and differences in learning styles, it directly/indirectly impacts the type of knowledge that is acquired by managers and the type of manager that is best suited to the role of knowledge activists in the organisational learning process. Design/Methodology: the authors examine the literature on the topics of curiosity mindfulness, and learning styles and develop propositions related to learning. These concepts are examined in light of the type of knowledge that is created and shared in organisations.

Keywords: curiosity; mindfulness; individual learning styles; organisational learning; knowledge acquisition.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2007.015612

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2007 Vol.4 No.3, pp.294 - 314

Published online: 05 Nov 2007 *

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