Collective Learning in Innovative Networks

• There are different forms for boundary-crossing learning in and between organizations. One growing form is network. This paper will present a study of collective learning in two innovative networks at the west coast of Sweden. One network is about regional health and growth, the other about leadership development among general directors. Representatives from different organizations meet to learn from each other’s practice. How does this learning take place? What supports and what prevents it? Does it have any effects in their own organizations? Data has been collected through questionnaires, observations, systematic reflections and focus interviews. Results show that the participants express great satisfaction with their outcomes on a personal base. It gives them inspiration, ideas, knowledge and contacts. It also gives them support, strength and self-confidence. One important factor in this context is differences. The participants are coming from different organizations, have different perspectives and experiences. The findings show interesting variances between the two networks that has effects on the type of learning. A problem is the transformation of learning from the network, by the participants into their organizations. There seems to be some important learning barriers. This will be further discussed in the paper.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Arbetslivsstudier (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Work Sciences (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)