Organizational learning expands on organizational theory through an administrative philosophy. For organizational learning to be effective, it must start within the organizational culture. Erdem and Satir propose that the use of metaphor theory for organizations is a constructive tool for uncovering negative perceptions. Furthermore, it is a multi-dimensional approach to the understanding of organizational views[6]. Culture plays a noteworthy role within organizational learning, and introduces creative ways to address potential problems within organizations.

Taber mentions that the use of metaphor exercises inside of classrooms provides a sense of autonomy and freedom for individuals to develop their own metaphors that address common and uncommon organizational challenges[7]. This opens up a new way for organizational learning to model a framework to handle complexity in organizational learning. One way to look at this is through rational and natural systems approaches in relation to organizational theory (see below)[8].

There are critical questions that can be asked about organizational learning, organizational theory, and the use of metaphors to understand complexity. It may be more prudent, however, to focus on the aims of these methods. Hager concluded that metaphors for learning can, at times, mislead outcomes, while also conceding that they provide fresh and innovative ways to think about learning[9]. Their use should be critiqued based on the characteristics of the organization.

Organizational Learning and Technology

The impact of technology on the education sector during the 21st century has been considerable. Technology within organizational learning is influencing knowledge-based management and industry. Argote and Hora suggest that in the future, technology management will impact organizational learning by connecting knowledge tasks and tools[10]. Tortorella et al. examine the impact of the new industrial revolution (I-4.0) becoming more prevalent by integrating cyber-systems that focus on opportunities that are useful to work-based learning[11]. Technology has and will continue to make a large impact on how we learn and obtain information.

Below is an activity on learning and metaphors, based on the article by Paul Hager, which will help with the acquisition of a more concise understanding of learning and metaphors.