SINGLE LOOP AND DOUBLE LOOP LEARNING

Chris Argyris is the person who first presented this concept of single and double loop learning. According to him organizations learn in two ways : in a single loop or in double loop.When the errors detected and corrected permits the organization to carry on its present policies, then the error and correction process is single loop. In other words, single loop learning occurs when problems are solved by changing action or strategies for achieving a desired result without changing the underlying theory or assumptions about those actions.Questioning the governing variables and subjecting them to critical scrutiny is called double loop learning. In other words, double loop learning occurs when problems are solved by changing the fundamental values and assumptions of the theory as well as strategy and actionsNOW THING ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION. WHAT TYPE OF ORGANIZATION IT IS? WHETHER IT FOLLOWS SINGLE LOOP OR DOUBLE LOOP LEARNING? Our organizations are mainly built on single loop learning principle.But the need of the hour is to become innovative and question the basic premises. When single loop learning fails to deliver results, managers will become defensive and put the blame on others. Hence top management and hr managers must make efforts to encourage and nurture the culture of double loop learning in organizations in order to innovate and succeed in competitive environment.