Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

12-2019

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide advice to organizations on how to become successful in the digital age. The paper revisits Peter Senge's (1990) notion of the learning organization and discusses the relevance of systems thinking and the other four disciplines, namely, personal mastery, mental models, shared vision and team learning in the context of the current digitalization megatrend. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on content analysis of essays from international organizations, strategy experts and management scholars, and insights gained from the author's consulting experience. A comparative case study from the health and social sector is also included. Findings With the current digitalization megatrend sweeping across the globe, the practice of systems thinking would certainly become more crucial for organizations seeking to develop new digital ecosystems. In addition, the application of the other four disciplines of the learning organization would also help to nurture a digital culture for organizations to stay ahead of the competition. Originality/value This paper contributes to the existing literature by offering a relook and justifications on the relevance of the five disciplines, in particular systems thinking, in the present times. It offers advice to organizations on how to become successful as part of the digital transformation journey.

Keywords

Digital culture;Systems thinking;Digital competencies;Digital ecosystem

Discipline

Digital Communications and Networking | Systems Architecture

Research Areas

Information Systems and Management

Publication

Learning Organization, The

Volume

27

Issue

1

First Page

54

Last Page

64

ISSN

0969-6474

Identifier

10.1108/TLO-09-2019-0137

Publisher

Emerald

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-09-2019-0137

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