Chris Argyris introduced the theory of single-loop learning as it applies to business management. His work and studies allowed him to become the James Bryant Conant Professor of Education and Organizational Behavior (emeritus) at Harvard University.

Single-loop organizational learning is not the best form of learning a business can have, but by studying it, you can find ways to improve your business. People interested in single-loop learning information should consider the following educational opportunities:

1. Learn about the single-loop learning theory and other management theories from Chris Argyris.

2. Hire an organizational management theory consultant to teach you how to improve on single-loop learning in your organization.

3. Get college credit for learning about the single-loop theory by registering and attending classes or lectures on business management theories.

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Start by understanding the single-loop organizational theory

You'll find a variety of information on Chris Argyris and his single-loop learning theory online. You can use free resources to learn about the foundation of the theory as well as explore the foundation of the theory as it applies to the work of Chris Argyris.

I recommend: Learn about Chris Argyris and his management theories on single- and double-loop learning from Infed. You can also read the article at 12manager - The Executive Fast Track for more information on the single-loop organizational theory.

Analyze your business and determine whether there is single-loop learning in an organization

Often in order to move your business forward, you need to hire a consultant who can analyze the current situation and teach you how to correct or improve it. To find a consultant who can help you with this particular theory, look for consultants that specialize in business organizational management.

I recommend: To hire a coach who can help you implement transformation change, hire a consultant from Out of the Box Coaching. Also read the article on the company's website for an in-depth explanation of the single-loop learning theory. Another company that offers consulting is Kalypso. Its classes involve learning theories like the single-loop organizational management theory.

Take college courses or attend seminars that include information on single-loop learning

Most colleges and universities offer some type of course on business management theory; however, some of these won't include the theories of Chris Argyris. To ensure that the class will cover single-loop learning, look at the course description prior to registration.

I recommend: To learn about single-loop organizational learning at a college, consider taking the Productive Business Dialogue course at Harvard Business School. The University of New England offers a Business Ethics Lecture. One of its keynote speakers is Chris Argyris.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Double-loop learning is another stage of organizational management learning. Educational information focused on it will often include information about single-loop learning.

Single-loop learning theory and single-loop organizational management theory go hand in hand. Single-loop learning is the process by which one learns, through trial and error, to make incremental adjustments to one's actions, continually bringing them back into conformity with a certain norm. In single-loop organizational learning, management measures performance against a specific set of pre-approved standards, which are never in question. As members monitor their own behavior, they detect and correct any deviations from accepted standards. When necessary, management steps in to help facilitate such detection and correction. Throughout the entire process, single-loop learning requires the acceptance of established norms and provides no framework for challenging, rethinking or in any way altering previously determined standards. Single-loop organizational management theory, then, espouses a "top-down" management model.

While single-loop learning theory may not be the optimal organizational philosophy throughout the life of a business, it serves its purpose in certain circumstances. Here are some times when single-loop learning development can help your business:

1. In the early days of a new business, when getting the company up and running is more important than innovation;

2. With new and inexperienced employees who lack the background to challenge current company norms;

3. In the middle of a critical project with a strict deadline and rigid completion requirements;

4. In the regulatory compliance arena, where regulations must be understood and followed to the letter;

5. During a crisis, when it's critical for everyone to pull together and follow a single leader; and

6. In any other structured situation where certain specific requirements must be met.

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Understand single-loop organizational theory and know when it can be helpful to your company

Gathering information about single-loop learning and developing an understanding of single-loop organizational theory can help you use both when needed to benefit your company, while preparing you for advancing beyond the one-dimensional aspect of this very basic type of learning.

I recommend: MuniMall Glossary provides a succinct definition of single-loop learning and its effect on an organization. Out of the Box Coaching explains how single-loop learning works and where it fits in the hierarchy of learning styles which contribute to transformational change.

Get guidance from an expert who can show you when to use single-loop learning and when to move on

Many management consultants and coaches understand the role of single-loop learning in organizational development. These experts can guide you in advancing your company beyond simple single-loop learning theory when the time is right.

I recommend: Out of the Box Coaching focuses on helping you break out of old habits and patterns of thinking that prevent you (and your business) from moving forward. Society for Organizational Learning offers consulting and coaching services, along with various courses and programs that can help make your company a "learning organization." Ed Batista offers executive coaching services and change management consulting based on his knowledge of both double- and single-loop organizational theory.

Plan to move beyond single-loop organizational learning as soon as it's feasible to do so

The theory of single-loop learning has its place in helping a business stay on track and assuring that important objectives are met. Yet, as soon as practical, the forward-looking entrepreneur will want to move beyond this very basic learning and operational method.

I recommend: FC Now, the Fast Company weblog, explains why moving past the single-loop learning theory would benefit your company. Pegasus Communications, Inc. also offers a variety of books and other informational products that can help prepare you for your company's advancement in organizational learning.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company is involved in any of the situations in the above list, don't feel as if you need to rush past the single-loop learning phase of organizational development. Every learning level has its time and purpose. However, remain alert to the signs that your business is ready to move beyond the level of mere maintenance and into the realm of growth and innovation. When these signs emerge, use the resources above to help you accomplish that organizational transformation.

Single-loop learning is part of a broader concept of organizational learning theory developed by Chris Argyris and Donald Schon in the 1970s, and later expanded by several other organizational thinkers, to explain the types of learning that take place in organizations. In order to fully understand the concept of single-loop learning, it is important to learn the necessary terms for defining the context of organizational theory and contrasting single-loop learning with other types of learning, such as double-loop and triple-loop learning.

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Single-loop learning

Single-loop learning is the most basic type of learning and behavioral change that can take place within a system and is also described as incremental learning. Single-loop learning describes the type of learning that takes place when the objective is to fix problems within the present organizational structure so that the system will function better, and does not attempt to alter the structure of the system.

I recommend: MuniMall Glossary provides a concise definition of single-loop learning as theorized by Argyris and Schon.

Double-loop learning

Double-loop learning, also known as reframing, contrasts with single-loop learning by questioning the purpose and function of work being done within an organization and does not take existing organizational structures for granted. Double-loop learning is concerned with understanding the basis for the tasks being completed, rather than a more efficient process for completing them.

I recommend: Value Based Management provides an explanation of double-loop learning as a specific type of organizational learning, along with single-loop learning.

Triple-loop learning

Triple-loop learning is the third type of learning that is compared with single-loop and double-loop learning. Also known as transformational learning, triple-loop learning involves the questioning not just of work processes and the basis for tasks within an organization, but also the reflexive examination of the individual's attitudes and point of view.

I recommend: Out of the Box Coaching explains triple-loop learning in more detail and advocates triple-loop learning for building productive work relationships.

Organizational learning

Organizational learning (OL) is the broader field of study in which single-loop learning was developed. OL has been defined in multiple ways over the past several decades by organizational theorists. The most basic definition of organizational learning is the process of finding and correcting errors in organizations, but organizational learning also has come to include other processes for understanding the culture and behaviors of organizations.

I recommend: Read a historical overview and more detailed definition of organizational learning at 12manage.

Theory of action

Argyris formulated single-loop and other learning theories based on his theory of action, which claims that individuals have a theory or mental map for the actions they perform. These theories are enacted in an unspoken way through theories-in-use, or in a verbalized way that is used to explain actions to others through espoused theories.

I recommend: Read a detailed overview of Argyris' theory of action and additional information on organizational learning theory from Infed.

Change management

Many organizations that are examining organizational learning and single-loop learning are doing so because they are involved in a process of change management. Change management is the process that companies and other organizations go through when attempting to alter the organizational culture and status quo of operating. It involves identifying problems and problem-solving techniques.

I recommend: For several ways in which change management is defined as a process, read the explanation provided by Distance Consulting.

Single loop learning is a type of organizational learning which uses knowledge and understanding to improve actions or behavior in a company. Single loop learning occurs when errors are detected and corrected but firms continue to have the same goals and policies. Single loop learning theory posits that activities that add to the knowledge base of an organization are competencies specific to the firm and are routines that do not fundamentally alter the nature of the organization.

Single loop learning accepts change without questioning underlying beliefs and assumptions. Chris Argyris and Donald Schon were the original management theoreticians who first described and defined this type of organizational learning. Double-loop learning is often juxtaposed with single-loop organizational learning and is considered a more innovative process because it does lead to an organization’s modifying its underlying objectives, policies and norms. You will want to study this topic in more depth by:

1. Starting with single-loop learning for beginners,

2. Investigating training on single-loop organizational learning,

3. Researching tools which can help with single loop learning.

Action Steps
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Acquire single-loop learning information by going to original sources

The original developers of single-loop learning development theories were Chris Argyris and Donald Schon in 1978. Since that time, as the speed of change in organizations has accelerated, their original ideas have stood the test of time and are cited whenever organizational learning is discussed.

I recommend: 12manage defines single-loop organizational theory concisely. CBS Interactive provides a comprehensive comparison between single-loop organizational management theory and double loop learning.

Examine training on single loop learning in an organization

As organizations have strived to become learning organizations, single loop organizational theory has provided the foundation for more complete and comprehensive programs in organizations. Other types of learning such as double-loop and deutero-loop evolved from single-loop and learners are encouraged to employ them to foster creativity and innovation.

I recommend: Fenman offers a training activity that you can download with information about single-loop learning. Skillbox supplies a list of training providers that can conduct courses for your organization on single loop organizational management theory.

Discover tools for enhancing single loop organizational learning

Argyris and Schon believed that learners have mental maps which they use for planning, implementing and reviewing their actions. Few people are aware that they have these maps or how they can use them so tools that help them understand how they learn can be quite useful.

I recommend: Infed provides models for taking the theory of single loop learning and putting it into action. Ed Batista presents a method for using single loop organizational theory in executive coaching.