Deutero learning in organizational contexts: Empirical analysis, and implications for adaptive organizations

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to provide a detailed analysis of the concept of Deutero learning. This is done by identifying its theoretical foundations as postulated by Bateson (1972) and Argyris and Schön (1978), and by assessing its use in current organizational contexts. The study relied on qualitative research to synthesize the theoretical and empirical bases of the concept and to provide a descriptive model of the mechanisms and facilitators of Deutero learning. The study's major findings indicated that psychological safety, reflective practice, transformational leadership, and the knowledge management infrastructure were fundamental preconditions for Deutero learning. This study further identified a substantial lack of empirical research concerning the measurement and the operationalization of the concept. Practical implications were provided to organizational practitioners and to the scholars who plan to engage in research on how to develop the Deutero learning capabilities at the organizational level. The study argued that the organizations that embed learning about learning are the most likely to succeed in environments characterized by instability and rapid changes.