Double-loop learning: Difference between revisions

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'''Double-loop learning''' entails the modification of [[goal]]s or [[decision-making]] rules in the light of experience. The first loop uses the goals or decision-making rules, the second loop enables their modification, hence "double-loop". Double-loop learning recognises that the way a problem is defined and solved can be a source of the problem.<ref name=c-argyris-learning>{{cite journal |last1=Argyris |first1=Chris |authorlink=Chris Argyris |title=Teaching smart people how to learn |journal=[[Harvard Business Review]] |date=May 1991 |volume=69 |issue=3 |pages=99–109 |url=http://pds8.egloos.com/pds/200805/20/87/chris_argyris_learning.pdf |accessdate=22 November 2015}}</ref> This type of learning, which is also called generative learning, is useful in [[Organizational learning|organisational learning]] since it involves creativity and [[innovation]], going beyond adapting to change to anticipating or being ahead of change.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Learning about Learning|last=Malone|first=Samuel A.|publisher=CIPD Publishing|year=2003|isbn=0852929897|___location=Wiltshire, UK|pages=80}}</ref>

== DetailConcept ==

Double-loop learning is contrasted with "single-loop learning": the repeated attempt at the same problem, with no variation of method and without ever questioning the goal. [[Chris Argyris]] described the distinction between single-loop and double-loop learning using the following analogy:

{{Quote|text=[A] thermostat that automatically turns on the heat whenever the temperature in a room drops below 68°F is a good example of single-loop learning. A thermostat that could ask, "why am I set to 68°F?" and then explore whether or not some other temperature might more economically achieve the goal of heating the room would be engaged in double-loop learning|author=[[Chris Argyris]] |source=''Teaching Smart People How To Learn''<ref name="c-argyris-learning"/>{{rp|99}}}}

Double-loop learning is used when it is necessary to change the mental model on which a decision depends. Unlike single loops, this model includes a shift in understanding, from simple and static to broader and more dynamic, such as taking into account the changes in the surroundings and the need for expression changes in mental models.<ref>{{cite book |author=Mildeova, S., Vojtko V. |title=Systémová dynamika |year=2003 |isbn=978-80-245-0626-5 |publisher=Oeconomica |___location=Prague |pages=19–24 |language=Czech}}</ref> It is required - as opposed to single-loop learning - if the problem or mismatch that starts the organisational learning process, cannot be addressed by small adjustments because it involves the organisation's governing variables.<ref>{{Cite book|title=HRD and Learning Organisations in Europe|last=Horst|first=Hilde ter|last2=Mulder|first2=Martin|last3=Sambrook|first3=Sally|last4=Scheerens|first4=Jaap|last5=Stewart|first5=Jim|last6=Tjepkema|first6=Saskia|publisher=Routledge|year=2003|isbn=0415277884|___location=London|pages=8}}</ref> Organisational learning in this case occurs when the diagnosis and intervention result to changes in the underlying policies, assumptions, and goals, which means that it involves cognitive and behavioral changes outside of the existing paradigm.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Managing Conflict in Organizations|last=Rahim|first=M. Afzalur|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2001|isbn=1567202624|___location=Westport, CT|pages=64}}</ref> According to Argyris, however, many organisations resist double-loop learning due to a number of variables such as resistance to change, fear of failure, and an emphasis on control over risk taking.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=vTSFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT262&dq=Double-loop+learning&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi7re_W4cvhAhXtyosBHRwNCg8Q6AEIUDAH#v=onepage&q=Double-loop%20learning&f=false|title=Understanding College and University Organization: Theories for Effective Policy and Practice|last=Bess|first=James L.|last2=Dee|first2=Jay R.|date=2012-04-19|publisher=Stylus Publishing, LLC|isbn=9781579227746|language=en}}</ref>

<gallery caption="Reference models I and II" widths="280px" heights="280px" align="center">