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Business Communication should facilitate and encourage Learning


What is a learning organisation and why should business communication facilitate learning? In this article I will interchangeable refer to a business and an organization which basically refers to a company that continuously transforms itself by facilitating the learning of its employees.  Employees in a learning organization share the same vision and have a team approach to learning.  Employees in a learning organization work smarter and are knowledgeable about any new products and processes of the business as well as how the macro-environment affects the business. Training programmes are thus essential to develop employees. The manager uses the skills of employees in the business to come up with creative solutions to any problems facing the business.  To facilitate learning in a business, communication is reliable and trusted by employees. The communication strategy of a business instills trust through honest and transparent communication. Business communication is receptive to learning while business behavior is changed to reflect any new insight as a result of a learning experience. 

What are the characteristics of a learning organization?
  • A good communication strategy is in place that encourages open and honest communication in the business.
  • Knowledge acquired through training programmes are incorporated into the business.
  • Employees have a shared vision to continuously improve the business through a learning process.  This shared vision is encouraged by the manager and in the communication strategy.
  • Innovation and new ideas are encouraged.
  • The business is actively looking for new knowledge.
  • The business is continuously looking to adopt  best industry practices.
  • The business learns from its past successes and failures.
  • New knowledge is immediately transferred in the business using different channels of communication.
  • Employees develop themselves to achieve their different goals and objectives.
  • Any form of criticism is tolerated and used to improve the business.
  • Leadership in the business empowers employees.
  • Feedback mechanisms are in place to evaluate learning in the business.
 
Is your business a learning organization or still a traditional organization? 

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