Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization

This study was aimed at uncovering the learning history of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), a Muslim NGO in Malaysia by employing the theories of Organizational Learning (OL) by Argyris and Schon (1978); and Learning Organization (LO) by Senge (1990). Both theories argued that only through empo...

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Main Author: Othman, Muhammed Fauzi
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: 2014
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Online Access:http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/78249/1/MuhammedFauziOthmanPFM2014.pdf
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spelling my-utm-ep.782492018-08-03T08:49:32Z Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization 2014-01 Othman, Muhammed Fauzi HD28 Management. Industrial Management This study was aimed at uncovering the learning history of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), a Muslim NGO in Malaysia by employing the theories of Organizational Learning (OL) by Argyris and Schon (1978); and Learning Organization (LO) by Senge (1990). Both theories argued that only through empowering member of organizations through continuous and collaborative learning, organizational survival and competitiveness could be achieved. OL proposes the double-loop learning, the questioning of present principles, strategies and techniques in facing problems and challenges and applying new techniques based on renewed principles and strategies. On the other hand, an LO could be developed when the elements of mental models, personal mastery, team learning, shared vision and systems thinking prosper in the organization. As the researcher was keen to explore deeply into the learning activities in ABIM and experiences in the past 40 years, qualitative methods were employed in the study as it offers deep understanding to the phenomena as well as factors and reasons behind it. The Learning History Method as proposed by Kliener and Roth (1995, 95) to investigate the learning process undergone by ABIM members and at the same time allow the members to assess critically the learning history. It combines the action research meethod with oral history approaches in data collecting and analysis. In-depth interviews were done between January and April 2010. Data from the interview was also triangulated with archival analysis on ABIM’s publications such as the Annual Presidents’ Address and journals and magazines. Participative observation were employed to gain a deeper sense of understanding. Analysis of the data suggested that all the five elements of LO was strong in ABIM especially in the pre 2008 era. The infusion of the knowledge culture was central in encouraging continuous collaborative learning. Furthermore, the usrah helped members to share knowledge and experience in a vibrant and dynamic manner promoting personal mastery, team learning, shared vision and systems thinking. Organizational learning also produced three added values creating a model of holistic LO concept, with the unique spirit of brotherhood (ukhuwwah), sacrifice (jihad and mujahadah) and syura and amal jamaie (dialogue and collective diligence). This is illustrated in the Taqwa Model. Further scrutiny of the learning history showed evidence of double-loop learning in ABIM, as it had radically changed its manhaj and wasilah (methods and approach) in pursuing dakwah (Islamic propagation). This shows that the LO and OL approaches to organizational renewal and development is relevant and applicable to non-governmental organization such as ABIM and not only in business entities. 2014-01 Thesis http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/78249/ http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/78249/1/MuhammedFauziOthmanPFM2014.pdf application/pdf en public http://dms.library.utm.my:8080/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:97916 phd doctoral Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Faculty of Management Faculty of Management
institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
collection UTM Institutional Repository
language English
topic HD28 Management
Industrial Management
spellingShingle HD28 Management
Industrial Management
Othman, Muhammed Fauzi
Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
description This study was aimed at uncovering the learning history of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), a Muslim NGO in Malaysia by employing the theories of Organizational Learning (OL) by Argyris and Schon (1978); and Learning Organization (LO) by Senge (1990). Both theories argued that only through empowering member of organizations through continuous and collaborative learning, organizational survival and competitiveness could be achieved. OL proposes the double-loop learning, the questioning of present principles, strategies and techniques in facing problems and challenges and applying new techniques based on renewed principles and strategies. On the other hand, an LO could be developed when the elements of mental models, personal mastery, team learning, shared vision and systems thinking prosper in the organization. As the researcher was keen to explore deeply into the learning activities in ABIM and experiences in the past 40 years, qualitative methods were employed in the study as it offers deep understanding to the phenomena as well as factors and reasons behind it. The Learning History Method as proposed by Kliener and Roth (1995, 95) to investigate the learning process undergone by ABIM members and at the same time allow the members to assess critically the learning history. It combines the action research meethod with oral history approaches in data collecting and analysis. In-depth interviews were done between January and April 2010. Data from the interview was also triangulated with archival analysis on ABIM’s publications such as the Annual Presidents’ Address and journals and magazines. Participative observation were employed to gain a deeper sense of understanding. Analysis of the data suggested that all the five elements of LO was strong in ABIM especially in the pre 2008 era. The infusion of the knowledge culture was central in encouraging continuous collaborative learning. Furthermore, the usrah helped members to share knowledge and experience in a vibrant and dynamic manner promoting personal mastery, team learning, shared vision and systems thinking. Organizational learning also produced three added values creating a model of holistic LO concept, with the unique spirit of brotherhood (ukhuwwah), sacrifice (jihad and mujahadah) and syura and amal jamaie (dialogue and collective diligence). This is illustrated in the Taqwa Model. Further scrutiny of the learning history showed evidence of double-loop learning in ABIM, as it had radically changed its manhaj and wasilah (methods and approach) in pursuing dakwah (Islamic propagation). This shows that the LO and OL approaches to organizational renewal and development is relevant and applicable to non-governmental organization such as ABIM and not only in business entities.
format Thesis
qualification_name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.)
qualification_level Doctorate
author Othman, Muhammed Fauzi
author_facet Othman, Muhammed Fauzi
author_sort Othman, Muhammed Fauzi
title Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
title_short Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
title_full Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
title_fullStr Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
title_full_unstemmed Application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
title_sort application of the learning organization in a muslim non governmental organization
granting_institution Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Faculty of Management
granting_department Faculty of Management
publishDate 2014
url http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/78249/1/MuhammedFauziOthmanPFM2014.pdf
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